vole

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈvōl 

: any of various small rodents (Microtus and related genera) that typically have a stout body, rather blunt nose, and short ears, inhabit both moist meadows and dry uplands and do much damage to crops, and are closely related to muskrats and lemmings

vole

2 of 2

noun (2)

: grand slam sense 3

Examples of vole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Cats can kill between 6.3 billion and 22.3 billion mammals a year, mainly mice, voles, shrews, squirrels and rabbits, an article from Catster reported. —Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025

The non-native mammals have wreaked havoc on indigenous birds and voles since their arrival on the Scottish islands 15 years ago. —Abby Wilson, theweek, 1 Nov. 2024

Join 12 others in the comments View Comments One key aspect Roulin said needed further explanation was the behavior of voles under moonlight. —Katie Hunt, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024

However, voles may be spotted occasionally, while moles, which spend most of their lives underground, are seldom seen. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

earlier vole-mouse, from vole- (of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse vǫllr field) + mouse; akin to Old English weald forest — more at wold

Noun (2)

French, probably from voler to fly — more at volley entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1805, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1679, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing vole

• meadow vole

Kids Definition

vole

noun

ˈvōl

: any of various small rodents that are closely related to the lemmings and muskrats but in general look like fat mice or rats and that are sometimes harmful to crops

Medical Definition

vole

noun

ˈvōl 

: any of various small rodents (family Cricetidae and especially genus Microtus) that typically have a stout body, rather blunt nose, and short ears, that inhabit both moist meadows and dry uplands and do much damage to crops, and that are closely related to muskrats and lemmings but in general resemble stocky mice or rats