Hamster - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A hamster is a small, furry rodent often kept as a pet. Known for storing food in its cheeks, it is active at night and enjoys running on wheels.
Definition:
A small rodent often kept as a pet, with large cheek pouches and short tail.
Synonyms:
rodent, pet, pocket pet
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
predator, enemy
Common Collocations:
hamster cage, hamster wheel, hamster food
Derivatives:
hamsters, hamster-like
Usage Tips:
Use "hamster" to refer to the small pet rodent; avoid confusing it with similar animals like gerbils or guinea pigs.
Common Phrases:
running like a hamster on a wheel, busy as a hamster, hamster ball
Etymology:
From German "Hamster," derived from Old High German "hamustro," meaning "hoarder."
Examples:
- 1. The hamster ran on its wheel all night.
- 2. She bought a new cage for her pet hamster.
- 3. Hamsters store food in their cheek pouches.
- 4. The children watched the hamster burrow into the bedding.