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

The recurring Season 3 gag started when Dewey set the school hamster, Bernard, free in the critter's hamster ball. —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026

Other small mammals like ferrets, degus, sugar gliders, chinchillas, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats and mice are all allowed as pets. —Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 7 Apr. 2026

Other snaps show the children decorating eggs with markers, participating in an egg hunt, playing with a hamster, posing with the Easter bunny, and walking hand-in-hand with their dad. —Christina Perrier, InStyle, 6 Apr. 2026

Even amid current frustrations, there have been too many success stories to sweep the accomplishments aside, even amid the current hamster wheel of mediocrity. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026

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