hamster

noun

ham·ster ˈham(p)-stər

: any of a subfamily (Cricetinae) of small Old World rodents having very large cheek pouches

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The Carriage held but just the hamster— And Immortality. —

Sue D. Gelber, The New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2023 The series' fourth episode introduced another notable comic book character in the form of Jamie the hamster. —

Nick Romano, EW.com, 15 June 2022 Marshmallow the hamster plays in a cage before being dropped off at an animal management center Wednesday in the Sha Tin area of Hong Kong. —

NBC News, 19 Jan. 2022 Until then, no class hamster will be left in the dark. —

Kate Armanini, BostonGlobe.com, 23 Jan. 2023 There’s also a hamster who’s a bit of a Houdini and likes to escape his cage. —

Jason Gay, WSJ, 16 Dec. 2022 From brain games for your cat to hammocks for your fish to cheesy treats for your hamster, these National Pet Day gifts aim to make every pet feel loved and appreciated. —

Kala Herh, NBC News, 11 Apr. 2021 For example, the European hamster has boldly patterned fur and can be vicious. —

Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2015 The medical staff stepped in and even treated her hamster, her first pet, doctors said. —

Washington Post, 1 Aug. 2014 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hamster.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of hamster was in 1607

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