gerbil

American  

[jur-buhl] / ˈdʒɜr bəl /

noun

1. any of numerous small burrowing rodents of the genus Gerbillus and related genera, of Asia, Africa, and southern Russia, having long hind legs used for jumping.

2. Also called tamarisk gerbil.  a jird, Meriones unguiculatus, that is popular as a pet.

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gerbil British  

/ ˈdʒɜːbɪl /

noun

1. any burrowing rodent of the subfamily Gerbillinae, inhabiting hot dry regions of Asia and Africa and having soft pale fur: family Cricetidae

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Etymology

Origin of gerbil

1840–50; < French gerbille < New Latin gerbillus, diminutive of gerbo jerboa

Example Sentences

People who for years are literally incapable of reason, much less getting their own dinner or finding the six baby gerbils that “somehow” got loose in the bedroom.

From Los Angeles Times

The less popular pet species — your gerbils, iguanas, and cockatoos — should be grateful.

From Salon

But he always had animals: dogs, gerbils, fish, rabbits and, most to the young Carr’s liking, cats.

From Los Angeles Times

Domestic rats, color-pointed gerbils, and American minks can also carry the mutation.

From National Geographic

“I found that you can get a gerbil for four dollars and 99 cents,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times