water rat

American  

noun

1. any of various rodents having aquatic habits.

2. the muskrat, Ondatra zibethica.

3. (in Australia and New Guinea) any of the aquatic rats of the subfamily Hydromyinae, especially of the genus Hydromys.

4. Slang. a vagrant or thief who frequents a waterfront.

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water rat British  

noun

1. any of several small amphibious rodents, esp the water vole or the muskrat

2. any of various amphibious rats of the subfamily Hydromyinae, of New Guinea, the Philippines, and Australia

3. informal a person who is very fond of water sports

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Etymology

Origin of water rat

First recorded in 1545–55

Example Sentences

Was the dead water rat on the path an accident or a tribute to Damien Hirst?

From The Guardian • Aug. 25, 2012

Acting bolsters The Breadwinner immeasurably, notably the acting of gentle, toothy Mr. Matthews, who somehow suggests the kind old water rat in The Wind in the Willows.

From Time Magazine Archive

Four months later he published a tale about a mole, a water rat and a scapegrace toad, called The Wind in the Willows.

From Time Magazine Archive

A water rat scuttled away as the children felt their way I along the narrow passage.

From "The Thief Lord" by Cornelia Funke

And once in a while a water rat or snake swam across the river.

From The Cave Boy of the Age of Stone by McIntyre, Margaret A.