golden hamster

noun

: a small tawny hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) native chiefly to Syria and often kept as a pet or used as a laboratory animal

called also Syrian hamster

Illustration of golden hamster

Illustration of golden hamster

Examples of golden hamster in a Sentence

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.
About 80 to 100 transgenic larvae were delivered into the Syrian golden hamsters’ stomachs. Jay Kakade august 05, Refractor, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of golden hamster was in 1839

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Cite this Entry

“Golden hamster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/golden%20hamster. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

golden hamster

noun
: a small brownish yellow hamster that is native chiefly to Syria and often kept as a pet or used as a laboratory animal elsewhere

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