French word

hamster

Pronunciation

IPA/amstɛʁ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounhamster

Example

Mon hamster mange des graines tous les jours.

My hamster eats seeds every day.

Illustration for hamster (hamster)

More examples

Mon hamster dort souvent dans sa roue.

My hamster often sleeps in its wheel.

Core concept

A round, quick-moving cage pet that carries food in built-in cheek pouches.

Common phrases

  • acheter un hamster

    buy a hamster

  • nourrir son hamster

    feed one's hamster

  • un hamster nain

    dwarf hamster

Similar words

souris: A very small, thin-tailed rodent that occurs in fields, other outdoor areas, and homes.
rat: A larger rodent with a long tail that commonly lives near houses and other buildings.
cochon d'Inde: A placid, tailless rodent with a sturdy body that is commonly kept as a pet.
lapin: A long-eared mammal with strong hind legs that hops and is kept as a pet or raised for food.

Definition in French

Rongeur de petite taille, domestiqué comme animal de compagnie et caractérisé par des joues extensibles où il stocke sa nourriture.

Word origin

The French noun hamster comes from German Hamster and is a borrowing rather than a French formation.

Usage tips

  • The initial h is aspirated in standard French usage, so forms include le hamster and not l'hamster.

Word lists with this word