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hamster
noun
ham·ster
ˈham(p)-stər
: 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
Yet, surprisingly, many organizations are still stuck on a hamster wheel of manual processes, siloed information, and on-premise software.
—Bil Khan, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
The Humane Society emphasizes that pet hamsters need more than just a clean cage, food and water.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
And on the camera right bottom, there’s a hamster on a hamster wheel, and that hamster wheel is generating the electricity for the water pump that sprays Bruce with the chemicals.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2024
Playful creatures from octopus and squid to whales, bunnies and even hamsters create a graphic and exciting vibe just in time for the holidays.
—Romany Williams, Los Angeles Times, 3 Dec. 2024
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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
Phrases Containing hamster
Dictionary Entries Near hamster
Cite this Entry
“Hamster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hamster. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
hamster
noun
ham·ster
ˈham(p)-stər
: any of various small Old World rodents with a short tail and large cheek pouches
Medical Definition
hamster
noun
ham·ster
ˈham(p)-stər
: 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 English: Translation of hamster for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hamster
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