pack rats
/ˈpæk ˌræts/
NOUN
1. North American rodents
Any of several small North American rodents of the genus Neotoma, characterized by bushy tails.
1.1. Woodrats
Small North American rodents of the genus Neotoma, known for their bushy tails and habit of collecting objects around their nests.
Synonyms
- woodrats
Examples
- The desert landscape is home to numerous nests built by industrious pack rats.
- The abandoned barn had become a haven for a small colony of pack rats.
Related Words
- rodents
- rats
- mice
- Neotoma
NOUN
2. People who collect or hoard things
People who habitually collect or keep large quantities of objects, especially things that are unnecessary.
2.1. People who accumulate and keep possessions
People who persistently gather and retain objects, often finding it difficult to discard belongings even when they are no longer useful.
Synonyms
- hoarders
Examples
- The pack rats had filled the storage room with things they rarely used.
- Some homeowners become pack rats by keeping objects they no longer need.
Related Words
- collectors
- accumulators
- gatherers
- hoarding
- possessions
- clutter