Hamster

/ˈhæm.stər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A small rodent belonging to the family Cricetidae, often kept as a pet or used in laboratory research.

She decided to get a hamster as a pet for her son.

A species of small, burrowing rodent known for its cheek pouches and ability to store food.

The golden hamster is one of the most popular species kept in homes.

A term sometimes used in gaming contexts to describe a character or player who focuses on collecting resources.

In the game, I often find myself hamstering items instead of completing quests.

Late Middle English, from the German 'Hamster'.

hamster wheel

A device for pets to exercise, often a circular wheel.

hamster dance

A type of humorous internet meme involving animated hamsters.

guinea pig

A similar small rodent often kept as a pet.

gerbil

Another small rodent often domesticated and kept as a pet.

Someone who is always running around or busy.

He's such a hamster, always on the go.