# critter

/ˈkɹɪtɝ/ (US) · /kɹˈɪtɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/critter
Updated: 2026-05-27

## Definition

a small animal, especially one that is cute or lives in the wild. People often use this word when they find a bug or a mouse in their house.

For teachers: a small animal, typically one that is perceived as cute or harmless. Informal in register; frequently used in North American English to refer to insects, rodents, or small mammals.

## Examples

- I found a little critter hiding under the porch.
- The children were excited to see a small critter scurrying through the tall grass in the backyard.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.