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

Roughly half of all the mammal species on the planet are rodents such as rats, mice, squirrels, and hamsters and they are found on every single continent except for Antarctica. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 4 Sep. 2025

As women, navigating the complexities of life can often feel like running on a hamster wheel — constantly moving, yet never quite able to pause and catch your breath. —Dontaira Terrell, Refinery29, 27 Aug. 2025

The treatment was simple: a nasal drip administered to the lungs of hamsters and mice. —Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2025

Americans are aware they’re stuck on the hamster wheel of hustle culture in the States. —Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 25 Aug. 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