deer mouse

noun

: any of various mice (genus Peromyscus) of North and Central America
especially : one (P. maniculatus) widely distributed in forests and grasslands of North America

Examples of deer mouse in a Sentence

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.
The virus is primarily carried by wild rodents, such as deer mice and white-footed mice. — Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 18 May 2026 Hantaviruses are carried in North America by deer mice and other rodents. — Allison Gibson, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2026 Hantavirus is an infectious disease that's normally spread through contact with rodents such as deer mice, cotton rats, rice rats and the white-footed mouse. — Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026 Hantavirus is carried by various rodents, especially the deer mouse. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for deer mouse

Word History

Etymology

from its agility

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deer mouse was in 1833

Rhymes for deer mouse

See All Rhymes for deer mouse

Browse Nearby Words

deerlet
deer mouse
deer oak
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deer mouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deer%20mouse. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

deer mouse

noun
: any of numerous North American mice of fields and woodlands

More from Merriam-Webster on deer mouse

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about deer mouse

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