golden hamster: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1neutral
Quick answer
What does “golden hamster” mean?
A small rodent (Mesocricetus auratus) with golden-brown fur, commonly kept as a pet.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small rodent (Mesocricetus auratus) with golden-brown fur, commonly kept as a pet.
A species of hamster native to arid regions of Syria and Turkey, characterized by a stocky body, short tail, and cheek pouches for carrying food; also used in scientific research.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; the term is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both, primarily associated with pets and biology.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties due to global pet trade and scientific literature.
Grammar
How to Use “golden hamster” in a Sentence
keep a golden hamsterown a golden hamsterbreed golden hamstersstudy the golden hamsterVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “golden hamster” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The golden hamster population in the wild is vulnerable.
- She has a golden hamster enclosure.
American English
- The golden hamster habitat needs careful setup.
- He bought a golden hamster wheel.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in pet supply or breeding industries.
Academic
Common in biology, zoology, and veterinary science texts.
Everyday
Common in pet ownership contexts and general conversation.
Technical
Used in laboratory research and species-specific veterinary medicine.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “golden hamster”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “golden hamster”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “golden hamster”
- Using 'golden hamster' to refer to any hamster with golden-coloured fur (it is a specific species).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'golden hamster' and 'Syrian hamster' refer to the same species, Mesocricetus auratus.
In captivity, they usually live 2–3 years with proper care.
No, they are solitary and territorial; housing them together often leads to fighting.
They are used due to their consistent genetic background, short lifespan, and susceptibility to certain diseases.
A small rodent (Mesocricetus auratus) with golden-brown fur, commonly kept as a pet.
Golden hamster is usually neutral in register.
Golden hamster: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡəʊl.dən ˈhæm.stər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡoʊl.dən ˈhæm.stɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GOLDEN fur, like a treasure, and HAMSTER, a common pet.'
Conceptual Metaphor
None prominent.
Practice
Quiz
What is another name for the golden hamster?