ferret
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms for ferret, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small, slender, domesticated relative of the weasel, sometimes used to hunt rabbits and other burrowing animals.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use ferret
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French furet, from Vulgar Latin furittum, "little thief" — a nod to the animal's sly, thieving reputation.
Full origin of ferret →Frequently asked questions
What does “ferret” mean?
The word “ferret” means a small, slender, domesticated relative of the weasel, sometimes used to hunt rabbits and other burrowing animals. In plain terms, either the small weasel-like animal, or (as a verb) digging persistently to uncover something hidden.
How do you pronounce “ferret”?
“Ferret” is pronounced FEH-riht (/ˈfɛɹɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “ferret” in a sentence?
Here is “ferret” used in a sentence: “He keeps two pet ferrets that love to explore tunnels made of cardboard tubes.”
What part of speech is “ferret”?
Depending on how it is used, “ferret” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “ferret” come from?
The word “ferret” comes from Vulgar Latin. From Old French furet, from Vulgar Latin furittum, "little thief" — a nod to the animal's sly, thieving reputation.
How many meanings does “ferret” have?
“Ferret” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small, slender, domesticated relative of the weasel, sometimes used to hunt rabbits and other burrowing animals.