rodent

noun

ro·​dent ˈrō-dᵊnt 

1

: any of an order (Rodentia) of relatively small gnawing mammals (such as a mouse, squirrel, or beaver) that have in both jaws a single pair of incisors with a chisel-shaped edge

2

: a small mammal (such as a rabbit or a shrew) other than a true rodent

rodent adjective

Examples of rodent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Even an occasional rodent will appear, probably the single visitor that caused the suspension of the entire operation. —Irv Erdos, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025

The rodents rarely carry rabies, though squirrel bites have been linked to the transmission of certain diseases to humans. —Christopher Cann, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025

Keeping gladiolus and other bulbs in bulb cages or a DIY cage made of chicken wire can add extra rodent protection and make sure nothing nibbles on your plants. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2025

Many different types of rodents may be digging up your yard, including squirrels, chipmunks, and even rats. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from the base of New Latin Rodentia, order name, from neuter plural of Latin rōdent-, rōdens, present participle of rōdere "to gnaw, nibble, eat away," perhaps going back to Indo-European *Hr̥h₃d-, *Hreh₃d-, whence also Hittite ardu- "saw (off)," Sanskrit rádati "(s/he) bites, gnaws, cuts, opens"

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rodent

• rodent ulcer

Kids Definition

rodent

noun

ro·​dent ˈrōd-ᵊnt 

: any of an order of fairly small mammals (as mice, squirrels, or beavers) that have sharp front teeth used for gnawing

rodent adjective

Etymology

derived from Latin rodent-, rodens, a form of rodere "to gnaw" — related to erode

Medical Definition

rodent

noun

ro·​dent ˈrōd-ᵊnt 

: any mammal (as a mouse or rat) of the order Rodentia

rodent adjective