pocket mouse

American  

noun

1. any of numerous burrowing rodents, especially of the genus Perognathus, chiefly inhabiting arid regions of the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico, having fur-lined cheek pouches and a long tail.

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pocket mouse British  

noun

1. any small mouselike rodent with cheek pouches, of the genus Perognathus, of desert regions of W North America: family Heteromyidae

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Etymology

Origin of pocket mouse

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

By the 1970s, scientists believed that the Pacific pocket mouse had become extinct.

From NewsForKids.net • Feb. 14, 2023

Pat is a Pacific pocket mouse, which is the smallest kind of mouse in North America.

From NewsForKids.net • Feb. 14, 2023

At nine years and 209 days old, the Pacific pocket mouse named Pat pocketed the Guinness World Record on Wednesday, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance announced.

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2023

But our limited ability to do so means we cannot go without freshwater for nearly so long as the pocket mouse.

From Scientific American • Jun. 15, 2021

This pocket mouse is not uncommon in areas of short grass and sage in Harding County.

From Mammals of Northwestern South Dakota by Andersen, Kenneth W.