brown rat

noun

1. Norway rat.

brown rat

noun

1. a common brownish rat, Rattus norvegicus : a serious pest in all parts of the world Also calledNorway rat

Word History and Origins

Origin of brown rat¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

I have no doubt that this also is the case with the brown rat, and aids in keeping down its numbers.

From Project Gutenberg

The brown rat of India is identical with that of Europe, most naturalists being now agreed that it originally came from the East.

From Project Gutenberg

It was supposed by Pallas that the brown rat crossed over into Russia about the year 1727.

From Project Gutenberg

I find there is no bait so enticing to the brown rat as a piece of chicken or meat of any kind.

From Project Gutenberg

At first I regarded him as merely an ordinary intrusive brown rat.

From Project Gutenberg