muskrat

noun

musk·​rat ˈməsk-ˌrat 

plural muskrat or muskrats

: an aquatic rodent (Ondatra zibethicus) of the U.S. and Canada with a long scaly laterally compressed tail, webbed hind feet, and dark glossy brown fur

also : its fur or pelt

Illustration of muskrat

Examples of muskrat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Now native Spartina grasses have returned, as have muskrats and threatened bird species. —Kyra Morris, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2025

Its voraciousness has threatened native populations of minks, muskrats, and river otters. —Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025

One East Hartford man shoots 100 muskrats for some reason. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025

Take a seat for a round-the-clock show: the ruffed grouse, cottontail rabbits, waterfowl and occasional muskrats that wander about, lured by the lake. —R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably by folk etymology from a word of Algonquian origin; akin to Massachusett musquash muskrat

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for muskrat

• begat
• bobcat
• chitchat
• doormat
• ducat
• eclat
• format
• hazmat
• nonfat
• polecat
• thereat
• tomcat

Kids Definition

muskrat

noun

musk·​rat ˈməs-ˌkrat 

plural muskrat or muskrats

: a North American rodent that lives in or near the water, has a long scaly tail and webbed hind feet, and glossy usually dark brown fur

also : its fur or pelt