water rat
The term 'water rat' can refer to various rodents living near water, or be used informally to describe certain people, depending on the context.
Definition
B2Zoology
(technical)A rodent that lives in or near water, such as a muskrat or water vole.
Example
- The water rat can often be seen swimming near the riverbank.
- Muskrats are a common type of water rat found in North America.
B2Informal
(slang, US)A person who enjoys water activities like swimming or boating.
Example
- She's a real water rat, spending every summer day at the beach.
- The water rats gathered at the lake for their annual swimming competition.
C1Informal
(slang, US)A petty thief or ruffian who operates around waterfronts.
Example
- The docks were known to be a hangout for water rats looking to make a quick buck.
- Beware of water rats when walking near the harbor at night.
C1Law Enforcement
(slang, Australia)A member of the water police.
Example
- The water rats patrolled the river to ensure boating safety.
- He joined the water rats after graduating from the police academy.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "water rat":
river ratfield rattree ratrice ratwater mousesewer ratrock ratfish-eating ratplague ratbush ratwater volelaboratory ratwater pigsea ratwood mousewater molebig-headed rice ratpack ratlarge-headed rice ratlab ratwharf ratspiny ratriver ottershack ratrat's nestfield mousedesert ratwater shrewwater dogsand ratwater snake