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

If small critters like voles and mice are problematic in your garden, take steps to protect tender hosta stems and crowns, which can become a cold-weather buffet for these animals. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2024

Send too tall turf into winter, and voles, moles, and other rodents may take up residence in the thick, inviting grassy coverage. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2024

Interestingly, research has found that the damage most people think is caused by turkeys often is the work of other wildlife, such as raccoons, deer, voles, or other bird species, says Pierce. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2024

Stray cats can benefit gardens by keeping voles, mice, and other rodents away. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 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