muskrat

noun

musk·​rat ˈməsk-ˌrat 

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

Examples of muskrat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

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

Kids Definition

muskrat

noun

musk·​rat ˈməs-ˌkrat 

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