hamster

noun

ham·​ster ˈham(p)-stər How to pronounce hamster (audio)
: any of a subfamily (Cricetinae) of small Old World rodents having very large cheek pouches

Examples of hamster 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.
Size Despite their diminutive size, hamsters like to move around a lot. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026 The treatment was tested in hamsters infected with a lethal dose of Nipah virus. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 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 For instance, Eilish is an animal lover with a pet dwarf hamster named Tomato Bisque Soup. — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hamster

Word History

Etymology

German, from Old High German hamustro, of Slavic origin; akin to Old Russian choměstorŭ hamster, of Iranian origin; akin to Avestan hamaēstar- oppressor

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hamster was in 1607

Phrases Containing hamster

Browse Nearby Words

hamsocn
hamster
hamstery
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

hamster

noun
ham·​ster ˈham(p)-stər How to pronounce hamster (audio)
: any of various small Old World rodents with a short tail and large cheek pouches

Medical Definition

hamster

noun
ham·​ster ˈham(p)-stər How to pronounce hamster (audio)
: any of numerous Old World rodents (Cricetus or a related genus) having very large cheek pouches and including several used as laboratory animals

More from Merriam-Webster on hamster

Nglish: Translation of hamster for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hamster

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