vole

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈvōl 

: any of various small rodents (Microtus and related genera) that typically have a stout body, rather blunt nose, and short ears, inhabit both moist meadows and dry uplands and do much damage to crops, and are closely related to muskrats and lemmings

vole

2 of 2

noun (2)

: grand slam sense 3

Examples of vole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Mice and voles will gnaw the tree from under the snow or use the cover of long grass or thick mulch. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Nov. 2025

An inch or two of mulch is sufficient for much of the South, and a thin layer of mulch is less likely to attract voles. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025

The pens were covered by grass and leaves in the shade for a few days while the voles were fed before their release into the wild, according to the video. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025

Rabbits, squirrels and voles There are other critters that also cause problems, including rabbits, squirrels and voles. —Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

earlier vole-mouse, from vole- (of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse vǫllr field) + mouse; akin to Old English weald forest — more at wold

Noun (2)

French, probably from voler to fly — more at volley entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1805, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1679, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing vole

• meadow vole

Kids Definition

vole

noun

ˈvōl

: any of various small rodents that are closely related to the lemmings and muskrats but in general look like fat mice or rats and that are sometimes harmful to crops

Medical Definition

vole

noun

ˈvōl 

: any of various small rodents (family Cricetidae and especially genus Microtus) that typically have a stout body, rather blunt nose, and short ears, that inhabit both moist meadows and dry uplands and do much damage to crops, and that are closely related to muskrats and lemmings but in general resemble stocky mice or rats