# rodent

/ˈɹoʊdənt/ (US) · /ɹˈəʊdənt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rodent
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a small mammal with strong front teeth that it uses for biting and chewing things. Common examples include mice, rats, and squirrels.

For teachers: any of a diverse group of mammals characterized by a single pair of continuously growing incisors in each of the upper and lower jaws.

## Examples

- A small rodent was chewing on the wooden fence.
- The warehouse manager called an exterminator after finding evidence that a rodent had nested in the grain sacks.
- While many people view any urban rodent as a pest, these animals play a vital role in the ecosystem by dispersing seeds and serving as a primary food source for birds of prey.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a collective term in biological or pest-control contexts.

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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.