varmint

noun

var·​mint ˈvär-mənt How to pronounce varmint (audio)
Synonyms of varmintnext
1
: an animal considered a pest
specifically : one classed as vermin and unprotected by game law
2
: a contemptible person : rascal
broadly : person, fellow

Synonyms of varmint

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Examples of varmint in a Sentence

rats, mice, and other varmints The sheriff in the movie gets revenge on the dirty varmint who killed his brother.
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.
One subset of varmint rounds are cartridges that don't use bullets. — David Szondy april 19, New Atlas, 19 Apr. 2026 Jett Rink was a really malevolent varmint, and kind of swarthy and dark. — Jeff Conway, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024 The dog, unable to climb after the varmint, stood on his haunches with his front paws resting on the tree and howled loudly. — Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025 At the time, wolves were still considered predatory varmints to be shot from airplanes, trapped and snared for $100 bounty and whatever hides would bring. — Al Wolter, Outdoor Life, 10 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for varmint

Word History

Etymology

variant of vermin (with regular late Middle English opening of tautosyllabic er to ar and parasitic t)

First Known Use

circa 1539, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of varmint was circa 1539

Rhymes for varmint

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Browse Nearby Words

varmeter
varmint
varminter
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

varmint

noun
var·​mint ˈvär-mənt How to pronounce varmint (audio)
1
: an animal that is considered a pest
2
: an unlikable person : rascal
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