noun / verb
rat
RAT/ræt/
A long-tailed rodent typically larger than a mouse.
The brown rat has small rounded ears and a long tail.
Etymology
Old English ræt already named the animal, so the modern meaning continues that use. Similar names occur across several European language groups, but their relationship and ultimate origin remain unknown.
In context
i've had to put bags around my fruit because i had a rat or some rodent coming in here and munching on everything
More examples
- A rat squeezes through a gap under the fence.
- She keeps two pet rats in a large cage.
- Our terrier goes ratting around the barn.
Forms
rat · rats · ratted · ratting
ratter noun — An animal that hunts and catches rats.
Similar words
- rodent
- A broader term that includes rats, mice, squirrels, and beavers.