rodent

noun

ro·​dent ˈrō-dᵊnt 

1

: any of an order (Rodentia) of relatively small gnawing mammals (such as a mouse, squirrel, or beaver) that have in both jaws a single pair of incisors with a chisel-shaped edge

2

: a small mammal (such as a rabbit or a shrew) other than a true rodent

rodent adjective

Examples of rodent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Any of these entry points can become the path for ants, spiders, and rodents to inhabit the indoor space. —Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025

Food sources like vegetation and rodents are less bountiful in the colder months, causing many coyotes to venture out of their usual paths to find food. —Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 6 Nov. 2025

The work that Brinton has done in rodents shows that when a female rat undergoes menopause, the brain seeks alternative sources of energy. —Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 4 Nov. 2025

Prevention Strategies Prevention is the only effective method to protect against rodent or rabbit damage. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from the base of New Latin Rodentia, order name, from neuter plural of Latin rōdent-, rōdens, present participle of rōdere "to gnaw, nibble, eat away," perhaps going back to Indo-European *Hr̥h₃d-, *Hreh₃d-, whence also Hittite ardu- "saw (off)," Sanskrit rádati "(s/he) bites, gnaws, cuts, opens"

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rodent

• rodent ulcer

Kids Definition

rodent

noun

ro·​dent ˈrōd-ᵊnt 

: any of an order of fairly small mammals (as mice, squirrels, or beavers) that have sharp front teeth used for gnawing

rodent adjective

Etymology

derived from Latin rodent-, rodens, a form of rodere "to gnaw" — related to erode

Medical Definition

rodent

noun

ro·​dent ˈrōd-ᵊnt 

: any mammal (as a mouse or rat) of the order Rodentia

rodent adjective