wood rat

American  

noun

1. pack rat.

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wood rat British  

noun

1. another name for pack rat

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Etymology

Origin of wood rat

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

Woodland creatures that could carry the disease and should be avoided include chipmunks, wood rats, mice and marmots.

From Los Angeles Times

His tools sprawled across the table and onto the floor, as though rummaged through by a band of wood rats.

From Los Angeles Times

The new study says nothing about possible reservoirs, but parasitologists have long known that leishmania parasites exist in Southern Plains wood rats, says Molyneux, who was not involved in the study.

From Scientific American

That, he said, was the work of antelope squirrels and desert wood rats that had braved the sharp needles grown by ocotillo for self-protection.

From Los Angeles Times

A wood rat she can’t bring herself to kill has recently taken up residence under her house, and every day it leaves piles of rocks by her desk window as an inscrutable offering.

From Los Angeles Times