hamster

noun

ham·​ster ˈham(p)-stər 

: any of a subfamily (Cricetinae) of small Old World rodents having very large cheek pouches

Examples of hamster in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With the Heat seemingly stuck in a hamster wheel of mediocrity, some asset management decisions can reasonably be questioned. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2025

From the classroom hamster to cats and dogs, this short tune demonstrates the importance of treating animals with love and respect. —Marilyn La Jeunesse, Parents, 9 July 2025

Topping the list were fish, hamsters, ducks, and tortoises—choices that may seem innocuous yet drew considerable feedback from those who had cared for them. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025

Rodents like gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, mice, squirrels and chipmunks. —Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 3 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

German, from Old High German hamustro, of Slavic origin; akin to Old Russian choměstorŭ hamster, of Iranian origin; akin to Avestan hamaēstar- oppressor

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hamster

• golden hamster
• Syrian hamster

Kids Definition

hamster

noun

ham·​ster ˈham(p)-stər 

: any of various small Old World rodents with a short tail and large cheek pouches

Medical Definition

hamster

noun

ham·​ster ˈham(p)-stər 

: any of numerous Old World rodents (Cricetus or a related genus) having very large cheek pouches and including several used as laboratory animals