rodent

noun

ro·​dent ˈrō-dᵊnt 

1

: any of an order (Rodentia) of relatively small gnawing mammals (such as a mouse, squirrel, or beaver) that have in both jaws a single pair of incisors with a chisel-shaped edge

2

: a small mammal (such as a rabbit or a shrew) other than a true rodent

rodent adjective

Examples of rodent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Before that, That’s A Wrap Sandwich Co. obviously housed too many rodents, roaches or general filth for whoever filed the complaint with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2025

While some species are considered easy to have, some like rodents, rabbits, dogs and cats require daily attention. —Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025

This can prevent chipmunks and other rodents, such as voles, from getting to your bulbs. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 22 Jan. 2025

Trash has stopped being collected consistently and has piled up, attracting pests and rodents, and creating a safety and health hazard. —Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from the base of New Latin Rodentia, order name, from neuter plural of Latin rōdent-, rōdens, present participle of rōdere "to gnaw, nibble, eat away," perhaps going back to Indo-European *Hr̥h₃d-, *Hreh₃d-, whence also Hittite ardu- "saw (off)," Sanskrit rádati "(s/he) bites, gnaws, cuts, opens"

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rodent

• rodent ulcer

Kids Definition

rodent

noun

ro·​dent ˈrōd-ᵊnt 

: any of an order of fairly small mammals (as mice, squirrels, or beavers) that have sharp front teeth used for gnawing

rodent adjective

Etymology

derived from Latin rodent-, rodens, a form of rodere "to gnaw" — related to erode

Medical Definition

rodent

noun

ro·​dent ˈrōd-ᵊnt 

: any mammal (as a mouse or rat) of the order Rodentia

rodent adjective