Words / A1

HAMST-uh/ˈhæmstə/

A hamster is a small furry pet with a short tail that often lives in a cage and runs in a wheel. Countable: a hamster, hamsters. A mouse is similar but is not usually a pet in the same way; a guinea pig is larger and has no tail. Not hammer (the tool).

Meaning

A small furry pet with a short tail that often lives in a cage.

Examples

• “The hamster is sleeping in its nest.”
• “The hamster hid the food in its cheeks.”
• “Do not wake the hamster in the day.”

Good to know

a hamster (cage, wheel). Contrast: guinea pig (larger), mouse. Mix-up: hammer.

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