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noun

dormouse

DOR-mows
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Dormouse (noun) means a small rodent of the family Gliridae, found mostly in Europe. Example: “A hazel dormouse was found curled up in the hedge.”

noun
1
A small rodent of the family Gliridae, found mostly in Europe.
"A hazel dormouse was found curled up in the hedge."
"Dormice spend much of the year asleep."
"The dormouse built a nest of grass and leaves."

How to use dormouse

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small, furry rodent that is known for sleeping a lot.

When to use it

It is a neutral, everyday word for an animal.

Memory tip

The plural is dormice, not dormouses.

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Common pairings
hazel dormouse edible dormouse
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A hazel _____ was found curled up in the hedge.

Etymology

Dormouse comes from Middle English dormowse, and its origin is uncertain. One suggestion links it to Old Norse dár, meaning benumbed, joined to mouse.

Origin: Middle English

glirid

Rhymes for dormouse

See all rhymes for dormouse →

Frequently asked questions

What is the plural of dormouse?
The plural is dormice.
What is a dormouse?
It is a small rodent of the family Gliridae, mostly found in Europe.
Is it dormouse or doormouse?
Dormouse is the correct spelling. Doormouse is a misspelling.
What is the meaning of dormouse?
"dormouse" (noun) means a small rodent of the family Gliridae, found mostly in Europe.