English · Daily Life
hamster
/ˈhæm.stər/
[/ˈhæm.stər/]
small pet rodent
Intermediatenoun
Definition
A small furry rodent with cheek pouches, often kept as a pet in a cage.
Example
The children watched their hamster stuff its cheeks with food before burrowing into the soft bedding.
The children watched their hamster stuff its cheeks with food before burrowing into the soft bedding.
Etymology
From German 'Hamster', from an older Slavic root meaning a hoarding rodent.
How & Where It’s Used
A popular first pet for children, kept in a cage with a running wheel.