muskrat

noun

musk·​rat ˈməsk-ˌrat 

plural muskrat or muskrats

: an aquatic rodent (Ondatra zibethica) 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

There are also coyotes at the park, though Sweet said these aren’t as common to see, but there are mink, beaver and muskrats that can be seen along Fall Creek and near Duck Pond. —Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 28 June 2024

That said, muskrats are actually more closely related to woodland mice, Albers said. —Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 17 June 2024

The beach is also connected to a larger 185-acre park with a boardwalk for those who want to spot wildlife like muskrats, deer, alligators, and native bird species. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2024

And Coop’s software can categorize nearby predators from muskrats to hawks to dogs with a 98-percent accuracy. —Charlotte Hu, Popular Science, 19 Oct. 2023

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

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