chinchilla

noun

chin·​chil·​la chin-ˈchi-lə How to pronounce chinchilla (audio)
Synonyms of chinchillanext
1
: either of two small South American rodents (Chinchilla lanigera and C. chinchilla of the family Chinchillidae) of the high Andes that are the size of large squirrels, have very soft pearly-gray fur, and are extensively bred in captivity
also : the fur of a chinchilla
2
: a heavy twilled woolen coating

Illustration of chinchilla

Illustration of chinchilla

Examples of chinchilla in a Sentence

The collar of the coat is chinchilla.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As for that friendly neighborhood chinchilla? — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 22 Dec. 2025 For small animals such as gerbils or chinchillas, co-sleeping isn’t safe due to their size, potty habits, and tendency to chew. — Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025 Viscachas, which are a type of chinchilla the size of a rabbit, are a good omen for astronomers at the Rubin observatory. — Harry Goldstein, IEEE Spectrum, 2 July 2025 Other small mammals like ferrets, degus, sugar gliders, chinchillas, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats and mice are all allowed as pets. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chinchilla

Word History

Etymology

Spanish

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chinchilla was in 1604

Rhymes for chinchilla

See All Rhymes for chinchilla

Browse Nearby Words

chincherinchee
chinchilla
Chinchilla (Miranda)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chinchilla.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chinchilla. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chinchilla

noun
chin·​chil·​la chin-ˈchil-ə How to pronounce chinchilla (audio)
: a South American rodent that is the size of a large squirrel and is widely bred in captivity for its very soft fur of a pearly gray color
also : its fur
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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