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.

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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