varmint

noun

var·​mint ˈvär-mənt How to pronounce varmint (audio)
1
: an animal considered a pest
specifically : one classed as vermin and unprotected by game law
2
: a contemptible person : rascal
broadly : person, fellow

Examples of varmint in a Sentence

rats, mice, and other varmints The sheriff in the movie gets revenge on the dirty varmint who killed his brother.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Another disadvantage: Adding banana peels directly to the soil may attract unwelcome varmints. Marin Independent Journal, The Mercury News, 14 Feb. 2025 The dog, unable to climb after the varmint, stood on his haunches with his front paws resting on the tree and howled loudly. Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025 At the time, wolves were still considered predatory varmints to be shot from airplanes, trapped and snared for $100 bounty and whatever hides would bring. Al Wolter, Outdoor Life, 10 Jan. 2025 Bugs, varmints and other critters cannot feed off it. Don Magruder, The Tennessean, 22 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for varmint

Word History

Etymology

variant of vermin (with regular late Middle English opening of tautosyllabic er to ar and parasitic t)

First Known Use

circa 1539, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of varmint was circa 1539

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Cite this Entry

“Varmint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/varmint. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

varmint

noun
var·​mint ˈvär-mənt How to pronounce varmint (audio)
1
: an animal that is considered a pest
2
: an unlikable person : rascal
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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