water rat

noun

1
: a rodent that frequents water
2
: a waterfront loafer or petty thief

Examples of water rat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web An Aboriginal dreamtime story about the platypus (one indigenous name for the animal is Dharragarra) explains its origin as the product of a courtship between a water rat and a duck. Helen Sullivan, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'water rat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of water rat was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near water rat

Cite this Entry

“Water rat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/water%20rat. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

water rat

noun
: a rodent that is found in or near water

More from Merriam-Webster on water rat

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