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DictionarysquirrelBushy-tailed rodent
noun / verb

squirrel

SKWUR-ul/ˈskwɜːrəl/

A bushy-tailed rodent known for storing food.

A squirrel with a bushy tail climbs a tree trunk.

A single squirrel climbing a short section of tree trunk, its small rodent body and large bushy tail clearly visible.
Etymology
squirrelGreeksquirrel

Greek skiouros named the same animal. Its traditional interpretation as “shadow-tailed” suggests a tail making shade, but that explanation has been challenged as folk etymology.

In context

Natural World!0:08
he Dodges behind Tree Trunks and branches jumping and running like a squirrel he also has brown fur and a long tail like a squirrel
Smallest monkey in the world Pygmy marmoset

More examples

  • Squirrels bury nuts in our yard every fall.
  • She squirrels away a few dollars each week.
  • He squirreled away some cookies for later.

Forms

squirrel · squirrels · squirreled · squirreling

Similar words

stash
Emphasizes putting something in a hidden or convenient place.
hoard
Suggests accumulating large amounts, often more than necessary.