guinea pig
noun
1
: a small stout-bodied short-eared tailless domesticated rodent (Cavia porcellus) of South American origin often kept as a pet and widely used in biological research
called also cavy
2
: a subject of research, experimentation, or testing
Examples of guinea pig in a Sentence
He volunteered to act as a guinea pig in the experiment.
Recent Examples on the Web
The guinea pigs were distributed to the four campuses throughout the agency’s shelter system.
—
Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025
Radical activists and health-care professionals treated struggling children like guinea pigs, and sadly, the nationwide experiment isn’t over.
—The Editors, National Review, 2 May 2025
According to authorities, two dead guinea pigs were also found.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2025
During a stroll down the Circuito Tradicional, guests can take in scenic vistas of the 50-hectare Laguna Mayor, with Andean lapwings, tropical kingbirds and even the occasional wild guinea pig making an appearance—but for a particularly unique experience, don’t miss out on the Circuito Génesis.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for guinea pig
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Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025
Radical activists and health-care professionals treated struggling children like guinea pigs, and sadly, the nationwide experiment isn’t over.
—The Editors, National Review, 2 May 2025
According to authorities, two dead guinea pigs were also found.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2025
During a stroll down the Circuito Tradicional, guests can take in scenic vistas of the 50-hectare Laguna Mayor, with Andean lapwings, tropical kingbirds and even the occasional wild guinea pig making an appearance—but for a particularly unique experience, don’t miss out on the Circuito Génesis.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for guinea pig
Cite this Entry
“Guinea pig.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guinea%20pig. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
guinea pig
noun
guin·ea pig
ˈgin-ē-ˌ 
: a small stout-bodied short-eared nearly tailless domesticated rodent of the genus Cavia (C. cobaya) often kept as a pet and widely used in biological research
called also cavy
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