golden hamster

noun

: a small tawny hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) native chiefly to Syria and often kept as a pet or used as a laboratory animal

called also Syrian hamster

Illustration of golden hamster

Illustration of golden hamster

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of golden hamster was in 1839

Dictionary Entries Near golden hamster

Cite this Entry

“Golden hamster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/golden%20hamster. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

golden hamster

noun
: a small brownish yellow hamster that is native chiefly to Syria and often kept as a pet or used as a laboratory animal elsewhere

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