rat

¹rat

noun \ˈrat\

Definition of RAT

1

a : any of numerous rodents (Rattus and related genera) differing from the related mice especially by considerably larger size b : any of various similar rodents

2

: a contemptible person: as a : one who betrays or deserts friends or associates b : scab 3b c : informer 2

3

: a pad over which a woman's hair is arranged

4

: a person who spends much time in a specified place <a mall rat>

— rat·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

Examples of RAT

1. a dirty old building infested by rats and mice
2. I can't believe that rat turned us in to the police!
3. No one understands why she's with a rat like him.
4. Every night he goes to work out with the other gym rats.

Origin of RAT

Middle English, from Old English ræt; akin to Old High German ratta rat and perhaps to Latin rodere to gnaw — more at rodent

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to RAT

Synonyms: betrayer, canary [slang], deep throat, fink, informant, nark [British], informer, rat fink, snitch, snitcher, squealer, stoolie, stool pigeon, talebearer, tattler, tattletale, telltale, whistle-blower

Related Words: collaborator; blabber, blabbermouth, gossip, gossiper, leaker; snoop, snooper, spy; notifier

Near Antonyms: hero, heroine, idol, role model; gentleman, lady; angel, saint

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with RAT

bat, batt, blat, brat, cat, Cat, chat, chert, drat, fat, flat, frat, gat, gnat, hat, mat, Matt, matte, pat, phat, plait, plat, Pratt, sat, scat, scatt, skat, slat, spat, splat, sprat, stat, tat, that, vat