varmint

noun

var·​mint ˈvär-mənt 

1

: an animal considered a pest

specifically : one classed as vermin and unprotected by game law

2

: a contemptible person : rascal

broadly : person, fellow

Synonyms of varmint

• bastard
• dog
• jerk
• skunk
• clown
• rat
• snake
• vermin
• joker
• creep
• beast

Examples of varmint in a Sentence

rats, mice, and other varmints

The sheriff in the movie gets revenge on the dirty varmint who killed his brother.

Recent Examples on the Web

No air-conditioning, no insulation, its charm blunted by DIY additions, discount drywall, generations of putty and steel wool stuffed into varmint tunnels. — Literary Hub, 22 June 2026

Moreover, the official mascots succeed in spotting various varmints — foxes and possums, to be specific, but thankfully, no vultures. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 16 June 2026

One subset of varmint rounds are cartridges that don't use bullets. — David Szondy april 19, New Atlas, 19 Apr. 2026

Another disadvantage: Adding banana peels directly to the soil may attract unwelcome varmints. — Marin Independent Journal, The Mercury News, 14 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

variant of vermin (with regular late Middle English opening of tautosyllabic er to ar and parasitic t)

First Known Use

circa 1539, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for varmint

• garment
• debarment
• disbarment
• undergarment

Kids Definition

varmint

noun

var·​mint ˈvär-mənt 

1

: an animal that is considered a pest

2

: an unlikable person : rascal