hamster

noun
ham·​ster | \ ˈham(p)-stər How to pronounce hamster (audio) \

Definition of hamster

: any of a subfamily (Cricetinae) of small Old World rodents having very large cheek pouches

Examples of hamster in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Historians spend their lives learning more and more about less and less, producing narrow PhDs and turning them into monographs and academic articles, in the hamster-wheel pursuit of tenure and promotion. The Economist, "The study of history is in decline in Britain," 18 July 2019 Emerson planted the train on his friend’s property in Pepin County, Wis., a place already home to underground tunnels, a human hamster wheel and a tree house. Molly Korzenowski, Twin Cities, "Whatever happened to the Minnesota Zoo monorail cars? A St. Paul guy turned some into cabins.," 22 June 2019 The hamster’s journey into Kim’s home was chronicled during the May 26 episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE.com, "Kim Kardashian Isn't Sure How to Handle North's Hamster's Death: 'How Do I Go and Explain This?'," 5 June 2019 But little Luna’s hamster is alive and well, according to a post by mama Chrissy Teigen. Alejandra Salazar, refinery29.com, "Chrissy Teigen May Have Just Low-Key Shaded Kim K. — With A Hamster Photo," 13 Mar. 2019 For an even more active way to experience the water, kids and adults will love the Desert Pipe, which Alexander described as similar to a hamster wheel. Jennifer Franklin, USA TODAY, "Discover the best places to chill out poolside at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa," 1 July 2019 Plus three dogs, two cats, and a male hamster named Susan. Robert Ruffino, House Beautiful, "The Colors in This LA Family Home Are Unbelievably Soothing," 28 June 2019 From a hamster to Beyonce, here are books that entertain and teach. Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, "After fun in the sun, settle in with one of these good reads for little ones," 23 June 2019 Well, imagine getting on a plane, and a hamster is the pilot. Jason Gay, WSJ, "Red Sox-Yankees: The World Series of Insufferableness," 7 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hamster.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of hamster

1607, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for hamster

German, from Old High German hamustro, of Slavic origin; akin to Old Russian choměstorŭ hamster, of Iranian origin; akin to Avestan hamaēstar- oppressor

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for hamster

hamster

noun

English Language Learners Definition of hamster

: a small animal that is often kept as a pet

hamster

noun
ham·​ster | \ ˈham-stər How to pronounce hamster (audio) \

Kids Definition of hamster

: a stocky rodent with a short tail and large cheek pouches

hamster

noun
ham·​ster | \ ˈham(p)-stər How to pronounce hamster (audio) \

Medical Definition of hamster

: any of numerous Old World rodents (Cricetus or a related genus) having very large cheek pouches and including several used as laboratory animals

Keep scrolling for more