Critter

A critter is a general term for a living creature, usually an animal, especially a small or unassuming one. The word often carries a tone of affection, familiarity, or mild amusement, and is frequently used in informal contexts. It can be applied to a wide variety of animals, from insects and reptiles to birds and mammals. The usage often implies that the animal is observed from a close distance, and not threatening or scary. The term is less commonly used for humans, but is sometimes employed in jest or when referring to children or unusual individuals. The word highlights the observed nature of the creature, and lacks more complex associations with the animal.

Critter meaning with examples

• The kids were fascinated by the fuzzy little critter they found in the garden. It was a tiny, brown field mouse, scurrying around the base of the rose bushes. They spent hours watching its antics, marveling at its quick movements as it searched for seeds. They brought it water in a tiny dish, and talked about building a little house for the tiny critter.
• While hiking in the woods, we spotted a beautiful, red fox. It was a sleek critter, effortlessly gliding through the undergrowth. We observed the fox from afar. Its fur shimmered in the sunlight as it went hunting. A quick and agile critter. After it was done hunting, we left the critter alone to enjoy its meal.
• My cat, Whiskers, is the strangest little critter. He loves to chase after laser pointers, and then stare blankly at a wall for extended amounts of time. He does funny little dances when it's time for dinner, and cries when there isn't any. He is the oddest little critter I have ever known.
• My grandma always had an odd fondness for the spiders in her basement. She would never kill one, and she would always refer to the spiders as a 'sweet little critter'. She claimed they kept the insect population under control, and she liked their intricate webs. She thought each critter had its own personality.