water rat

noun

1
: a rodent that frequents water
2
: a waterfront loafer or petty thief

Examples of water rat in a Sentence

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.
Scientists suspect the creatures’ diets changed because of the arrival of a new competitor, the Australian water rat, or rakali, reports the Sydney Morning Herald’s Angus Dalton. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 June 2024 The researchers think competition for food caused the disappearance of teeth in the platypus—the spread of the Australo-New Guinean water rat may have affected which prey platypuses hunted for. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 7 June 2024 The water rats may have started feasting on harder animals like crayfish and mussels, which pushed monotremes toward softer foods like shrimp and worms. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 June 2024 An Aboriginal dreamtime story about the platypus (one indigenous name for the animal is Dharragarra) explains its origin as the product of a courtship between a water rat and a duck. Helen Sullivan, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of water rat was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near water rat

Cite this Entry

“Water rat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/water%20rat. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

water rat

noun
: a rodent that is found in or near water

More from Merriam-Webster on water rat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!