How Do You Spell HAMSTER?

Pronunciation: [hˈamstə] (IPA)

The word "hamster" is spelled as /ˈhæmstər/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first sound is an aspirated /h/, followed by a short /æ/ sound that represents the "a" in "hat". The next sound is a nasal consonant /m/, followed by the "s" sound /s/. The next syllable contains a schwa sound /ə/ and a final /r/ sound. This spelling reflects the origin of the word, which comes from the German word "Hamster" and the Old High German word "Hamustro."

HAMSTER Meaning and Definition

  1. A hamster is a small, domesticated rodent belonging to the subfamily Cricetinae. It is typically kept as a popular pet due to its relatively low maintenance and friendly nature. Hamsters have a stout body with short legs, rounded ears, and a short, stubby tail. They come in various species, each with its own distinct characteristics.

    A hamster is known for its characteristic cheek pouches that it uses to store food and transport materials. These pockets allow hamsters to effectively carry and hoard food, often seen stuffing their cheeks to comically large proportions. Hamsters are primarily herbivores, consuming a diet consisting of grains, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.

    These creatures are crepuscular, which means they are most active during dusk and dawn. Hamsters are typically nocturnal and have excellent night vision. As burrowing animals, they are equipped with strong claws and sharp teeth used for digging and gnawing.

    Hamsters are known for their solitary nature and territorial behavior, preferring to live alone in small, enclosed spaces. They are adaptable to a range of climates and environments, but providing a suitable habitat with a cozy bedding, hiding spots, and an exercise wheel is essential for their well-being.

    In conclusion, a hamster is a small, sociable, and docile rodent commonly kept as a pet, known for its cheek pouches, nocturnal habits, and burrowing tendencies.

  2. A species of rat having a pouch on each side of its jaw.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for HAMSTER *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for HAMSTER

Etymology of HAMSTER

The word "hamster" originated from the Old High German term "hamustro", which eventually became "hamstar" in Middle High German. It is believed to have been derived from the Old Saxon word "hamostro" or "hamustra", which means "hamster" as well. This ultimately traces back to the Middle Low German term "hamastra" or "hamoster", indicating a "hoarder" or "hoard". The connection to "hoarding" likely stems from the behavior of hamsters in stockpiling food in their cheek pouches.

Similar spelling words for HAMSTER

Plural form of HAMSTER is HAMSTERS

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: