gerbil

noun

ger·​bil ˈjər-bəl How to pronounce gerbil (audio)
variants or less commonly gerbille
: any of numerous Old World burrowing desert rodents (Gerbillus and related genera) with long hind legs adapted for leaping

Examples of gerbil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Olivia grew up on a farm, while Brendan had pets like frogs and gerbils growing up, since his dad was allergic to dogs. Haley Van Horn, People.com, 29 July 2025 What about my guinea pig? Just as a cat or dog, small animals — rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, gerbils or hamsters — are vulnerable to the heat, especially if they are kept in an enclosure. Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 24 July 2025 Owners of mice, rats, gerbils, sugar gliders and even hedgehogs have found wheels to be valuable cage additions. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 23 July 2025 Rodents like gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, mice, squirrels and chipmunks. Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for gerbil

Word History

Etymology

French gerbille, from New Latin Gerbillus, diminutive of gerboa, jerboa jerboa

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gerbil was in 1827

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gerbil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gerbil. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

gerbil

noun
ger·​bil ˈjər-bəl How to pronounce gerbil (audio)
: any of several Old World desert rodents with long hind legs

Medical Definition

gerbil

noun
ger·​bil
variants also gerbille
: any of numerous Old World burrowing desert rodents (Gerbillus and related genera) with long hind legs adapted for leaping

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