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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.

hamster

/ˈhæmstɚ/ /ˈhæmstə/

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.

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