roof rat

American  

Sometimes Alexandrine rat

noun

1. a black rat, Rattus rattus alexandrinus, often found on the upper floors of buildings in warm areas.

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Etymology

Origin of roof rat

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

There is the black rat or roof rat, with a tail nearly always longer than its body.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 13, 2023

The animal most likely to be involved in an airplane infestation is a roof rat, a species prevalent in Atlanta, Artimovich said.

From BusinessWeek • Apr. 19, 2011

The roof rat is common in many parts of the South, where it is a persistent pest in cane and rice fields.

From House Rats and Mice Farmers' Bulletin 896 by Lantz, David E.