Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for pack rat

pack rat

1
or packrat

noun

  1. Also called trade rat,. a large, bushy-tailed rodent, Neotoma cinerea, of North America, noted for carrying off small articles to store in its nest.
  2. Informal. a person who saves things that are not needed or used but that may have personal or other value.
  3. Informal. an old prospector or guide.


pack-rat

2
or pack·rat

[ pak-rat ]

verb (used with object)

, Informal.
, pack-rat·ted, pack-rat·ting.
  1. to save in the manner of a pack rat:

    I’m looking through the stuff my grandpa pack-ratted away in the attic.

pack rat

noun

  1. any rat of the genus Neotoma, of W North America, having a long tail that is furry in some species: family Cricetidae Also calledwood rat


Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of pack rat1

First recorded in 1840–50

Origin of pack rat2

First recorded in 1870–75

Discover More

Example Sentences

The pack-rat ran back to its hole and made its exit without loss of time, but Clarice sobbed aloud in hysterical fear.

Except at the locality in Cherokee County, the pack rat, Neotoma floridana, was found in association with the brush mouse.

Nests of sticks and leaves were taken apart by Metcalf, and all sign indicated only the presence of the pack rat.

It was a pack rat, sometimes called a trade rat, paying us a visit.

Then we also have the pack rat, but the pack rat does not carry things with our consent.

Advertisement

Word of the Day

axolotl

[ak-suh-lot-l ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement