meadow mouse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Literary, Regional Dialect
Quick answer
What does “meadow mouse” mean?
A small rodent, specifically a vole, that inhabits fields and meadows.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small rodent, specifically a vole, that inhabits fields and meadows.
A term used in some regional dialects or nature writing to refer to any small, mouse-like mammal found in grassy fields. It is not a standard zoological term, often representing a folk name.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties but is uncommon. In American English, it may be slightly more frequent in rural or naturalist contexts. The British equivalent might more commonly be 'field vole' or simply 'vole'.
Connotations
Evokes a bucolic, pastoral setting. In both varieties, it sounds somewhat quaint or old-fashioned.
Frequency
Very low frequency in standard discourse. Primarily found in nature writing, children's literature, or regional speech.
Grammar
How to Use “meadow mouse” in a Sentence
The meadow mouse (subject) + verb (burrowed, scurried, hid)We saw + a meadow mouse + in the field (prepositional phrase)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meadow mouse” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The cat tried to meadow-mouse its way through the tall grass. (extremely rare, non-standard poetic use)
American English
- The scout had to meadow-mouse through the underbrush to avoid detection. (extremely rare, non-standard poetic use)
adverb
British English
- He moved meadow-mouse quietly across the floor. (non-standard, highly poetic)
American English
- She whispered meadow-mouse soft. (non-standard, highly poetic)
adjective
British English
- The children built a little meadow-mouse house from grass. (non-standard attributive use)
American English
- She had a meadow-mouse timidness about her. (non-standard attributive use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare; in biology, the precise Latin name or 'vole' is preferred.
Everyday
Uncommon; might be used by a gardener, farmer, or walker describing what they saw.
Technical
Not used; zoologists use species-specific names.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “meadow mouse”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “meadow mouse”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meadow mouse”
- Using it as a formal zoological term. Confusing it with a 'shrew' or 'house mouse'. Incorrect plural: 'meadow mouses' (correct: 'meadow mice').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not typically. The term usually refers to a vole, which is a different genus of rodent, though they are superficially similar.
No. It is an informal, descriptive term. You should use the precise Latin name (e.g., Microtus pennsylvanicus) or the common name 'vole'.
In common usage, very little. Both are imprecise folk names for small rodents in grassy areas. 'Field mouse' might more often refer to species of Apodemus, while 'meadow mouse' typically points to voles (Microtus).
No, it is quite low-frequency and has a literary or rustic feel. Most people would simply say 'vole' or 'field mouse'.
A small rodent, specifically a vole, that inhabits fields and meadows.
Meadow mouse is usually informal, literary, regional dialect in register.
Meadow mouse: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛdəʊ ˌmaʊs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛdoʊ ˌmaʊs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) timid as a meadow mouse”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MOUSE in a MEADOW. The alliteration makes it easy to remember: 'M' for both words.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIMIDITY or VULNERABILITY (e.g., 'He was a meadow mouse in the boardroom').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate scientific synonym for 'meadow mouse' in most contexts?