pack rat
The term "pack rat" can refer to both a specific type of rodent known for hoarding objects and, informally, to a person who excessively collects items.
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Definition
C1Zoology
(technical)A small North American rodent known for collecting and storing various objects in its nest.
Example
- The pack rat's nest was filled with shiny objects it had collected.
B2Informal
(idiomatic, US)A person who collects or hoards items, often unnecessarily.
Example
- My uncle is a pack rat; his garage is filled with old newspapers and magazines.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "pack rat":
rock ratfield rattree ratwater ratdesert ratshack ratrice ratrat's nestplague ratsewer ratriver ratspiny ratbush ratfish-eating ratlab ratlaboratory rat