Norway rat

American  

noun

1. an Old World rat, Rattus norvegicus, having a grayish-brown body with whitish underparts and a long, scaly tail, now common in the U.S. in or near homes, barns, wharves, etc.

---

Norway rat British  

noun

1. another name for brown rat

---

Etymology

Origin of Norway rat

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

The average Norway rat can potentially jump vertically 3 feet, and horizontally 4 feet.

From Salon • Sep. 5, 2022

This species “should be a dreamy candidate for de-extinction,” McCauley says, given its close relationship with the Norway rat, a well-studied lab animal with a complete genome sequence that scientists already know how to modify.

From Science Magazine • Mar. 9, 2022

The Norway rat is an animal full of contradictions, starting with its common name.

From New York Times • Jan. 31, 2017

The culprit — known as the Norway rat or brown rat — can grow to 15 inches long, not including tail, and weigh over a pound.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 23, 2016

There is now no known spot free from the Norway rat, and the greater the number, of course the more impudent they become.

From Anecdotes of the Habits and Instinct of Animals by Weir, Harrison