gerbil

[ jur-buhl ]

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 tam·a·risk ger·bil [tam, -, uh, -risk , jur, -b, uh, l]. a jird, Meriones unguiculatus, that is popular as a pet.

gerbil

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gerbil¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gerbil¹

C19: from French gerbille, from New Latin gerbillus a little jerboa

Example Sentences

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

“Lauren’s name had been selected at random to take all the school gerbils home for an upcoming long weekend. There were twelve of them.”

From Washington Post