critter

noun

crit·​ter ˈkri-tər How to pronounce critter (audio)
Synonyms of critternext
informal
: an animal : creature sense 1
Most of her sublime illustrations involve hippos and pigs, which are appealing critters, especially when they have a few chocolate smudges around the mouth.People Weekly
When the wind is blowing just so, the field is set afire on three sides, and all manner of critters get flushed out of one end—snakes, possums, raccoons, and rabbits, lots of rabbits.Alexander Wolff
Flies, gnats, mosquitoes, ticks, mites and lice pester your horse year-round. If you ignore them, these critters can cause your equine friend months of misery.Charlene Strickland
sometimes used of a person
Sale admits that humans, being the relatively big-brained critters we are, cannot do without technology …M. Kujawa

Examples of critter in a Sentence

The woods are filled with skunks, raccoons, and other critters. she's so fond of every kind of critter that she ought to be a veterinarian
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Move over, Paddington, a new fluffy critter has Paul King’s attention. Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025 In the footage, the pair can be heard laughing as the critter moves around inside the hose and repeatedly refuses to come out. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 18 Dec. 2025 It's been known for some time that our gut microbiome – the collection of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microscopic critters living in our intestines – can influence weight gain or loss. New Atlas, 18 Dec. 2025 Make sure to bring in all items once delivery services are done for the day, to prevent any unwanted critters from digging into the treats and from drinks freezing overnight. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for critter

Word History

Etymology

by alteration

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of critter was in 1815

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Critter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/critter. Accessed 27 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

critter

noun
crit·​ter ˈkrit-ər How to pronounce critter (audio)
informal
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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