roof rat

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of roof rat¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

He also states that the black rat and the roof rat (Alexandrinus), both varieties of M. rattus, differ chiefly in color.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg