rat

[ræt]

rat Definition

• 1. a small, long-tailed rodent that is often considered a pest
• 2. a person who is dishonest or disloyal

Using rat: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "rat" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I saw a rat in the kitchen last night.

• Example

  He's a rat who betrayed his friends to the police.

• Example

  The company was infested with rats who leaked confidential information to competitors.

rat Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for rat

• rodent
• mouse
• vermin
• informant
• traitor

Phrases with rat

• smell a rat

  to suspect that something is wrong or dishonest

  Example

  I smell a rat. This deal seems too good to be true.

• rat race

  a way of life in which people are caught up in a fiercely competitive struggle for wealth or power

  Example

  I'm tired of the rat race. I want to quit my job and travel the world.

• rat out

  to inform on someone, especially to the authorities

  Example

  He ratted out his accomplices to get a lighter sentence.

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Summary: rat in Brief

The term 'rat' [ræt] refers to a small, long-tailed rodent that is often considered a pest. It can also mean a person who is dishonest or disloyal, exemplified by 'He's a rat who betrayed his friends to the police.' 'Rat' extends into phrases like 'smell a rat,' and 'rat race,' denoting suspicion and a fiercely competitive struggle, respectively.