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kangaroo rat
noun
: any of a genus (Dipodomys) of nocturnal burrowing rodents of arid parts of western North America that travel by hopping on their long hind legs and have a long tail and fur-lined cheek pouches
Examples of kangaroo rat in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This image released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shows a Stephens' kangaroo rat is seen on a person's knee as it's held by the tail on Oct. 16, 2017.
—CBS News, 30 Dec. 2023
Rosy boas can eat small mammals, such as kangaroo rats and deer mice, according to Web MD.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 30 Nov. 2023
Named for its marsupial-like hind legs, the kangaroo rat resides in North and West Texas and thrives in a short-grass prairie environment.
—Noor Adatia, Dallas News, 16 Aug. 2023
Additionally, ongoing conversion of prairie land into farms, roads and cities has also harmed the kangaroo rat population.
—Noor Adatia, Dallas News, 16 Aug. 2023
Like other small rodents, the Texas kangaroo rat is prey for other animals, including hawks and foxes.
—Noor Adatia, Dallas News, 16 Aug. 2023
Karate Kicks Like most rodents, desert kangaroo rats are popular menu items for many would-be predators in California.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2023
Ongoing research into the kangaroo rat, including population documentation and genetic testing, will help inform strategies for preserving the habitat to promote the health of the species.
—Christian Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2023
What have researchers learned about Santa Cruz kangaroo rats so far?
—Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 21 June 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kangaroo rat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1867, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near kangaroo rat
Cite this Entry
“Kangaroo rat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kangaroo%20rat. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Kids Definition
kangaroo rat
noun
: a burrowing rodent of dry regions of the western U.S. that travels by hopping on its long hind legs
More from Merriam-Webster on kangaroo rat
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kangaroo rat
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