guinea pig

noun

1
: a small stout-bodied short-eared tailless domesticated rodent (Cavia porcellus) of South American origin often kept as a pet and widely used in biological research

called also cavy

2
: a subject of research, experimentation, or testing

Examples of guinea pig in a Sentence

He volunteered to act as a guinea pig in the experiment.
Recent Examples on the Web In the video, shared by Storyful, the 12-year-old Rosie moves to a corner behind her house searching for her pet guinea pig, MaxiBon. Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 31 Jan. 2024 Dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets, like guinea pigs and even rats will be available for adoption. Corina Vanek, The Arizona Republic, 6 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for guinea pig 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'guinea pig.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of guinea pig was in 1664

Dictionary Entries Near guinea pig

Cite this Entry

“Guinea pig.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guinea%20pig. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

guinea pig

noun
1
: a small stocky rodent with short ears and a very short tail that is often kept as a pet and is used in biological research
2
: a person or thing experimented on

Medical Definition

guinea pig

noun
guin·​ea pig ˈgin-ē-ˌ How to pronounce guinea pig (audio)
: a small stout-bodied short-eared nearly tailless domesticated rodent of the genus Cavia (C. cobaya) often kept as a pet and widely used in biological research

called also cavy

More from Merriam-Webster on guinea pig

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