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 risk can increase when opening or cleaning cabins, sheds, barns or storage buildings in rural areas that have been closed for the winter and where deer mice have entered, experts say. Shiv Sudhakar, NBC News, 23 July 2024 Symptoms of hantavirus Particles containing hantavirus get into the air when urine, saliva or poop from deer mice are stirred up, leading to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Shiv Sudhakar, NBC News, 23 July 2024

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

Dictionary Entries Near deer mouse

Cite this Entry

“Deer mouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deer%20mouse. Accessed 1 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

deer mouse

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

More from Merriam-Webster on deer mouse

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!