muskrat

noun

musk·​rat ˈməsk-ˌrat How to pronounce muskrat (audio)
plural muskrat or muskrats
: an aquatic rodent (Ondatra zibethicus) of the U.S. and Canada with a long scaly laterally compressed tail, webbed hind feet, and dark glossy brown fur
also : its fur or pelt

Illustration of muskrat

Illustration of muskrat

Examples of muskrat 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.
Imagine a pale roly-poly the size of a muskrat wandering the seafloor. Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 Their diet includes muskrats, a primary predator of freshwater mussels, which are now confirmed to carry radium. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025 The muskrats are depended on by bald eagles, and muskrats are probably the biggest consumer of the freshwater mussels. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025 Edward’s parenting was particularly industrious, requiring his children to paint their own rooms, make their own clothes and earn extra cash by trapping and skinning muskrats to sell their pelts. Emily Blackwood, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for muskrat 

Word History

Etymology

probably by folk etymology from a word of Algonquian origin; akin to Massachusett musquash muskrat

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of muskrat was in 1607

Dictionary Entries Near muskrat

Cite this Entry

“Muskrat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muskrat. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

muskrat

noun
musk·​rat ˈməs-ˌkrat How to pronounce muskrat (audio)
plural muskrat or muskrats
: a North American rodent that lives in or near the water, has a long scaly tail and webbed hind feet, and glossy usually dark brown fur
also : its fur or pelt

More from Merriam-Webster on muskrat

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