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.

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Norway rat British  

noun

1. another name for brown rat

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Etymology

Origin of Norway rat

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

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

To catch another sizeable rodent, the Norway rat, however, a New Yorker can go to the hardware store around the corner and purchase a glue board.

From Salon • Jan. 12, 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

One fact about the Norway rat is peculiar: it appears to know when it possesses the advantage.

From The Boy Tar by Read, Edward