ferret
Ferret (noun) means a small, slender, domesticated relative of the weasel, sometimes used to hunt rabbits and other burrowing animals. Example: “He keeps two pet ferrets that love to explore tunnels made of cardboard tubes.”
How to use ferret
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the small weasel-like animal, or (as a verb) digging persistently to uncover something hidden.
Word forms
ferreted past tense, ferrets plural, ferrets singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He keeps two pet _____ that love to explore tunnels made of cardboard tubes.
Etymology
From Old French furet, from Vulgar Latin furittum, "little thief" — a nod to the animal's sly, thieving reputation.
Synonyms
View more →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.