# ferret

/ˈfɛɹət/ (US) · /fˈɛɹɪt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ferret
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

a small, thin animal with a long body and soft fur that is often kept as a pet. People sometimes use them to hunt rabbits or rats.

For teachers: a domesticated carnivorous mammal of the weasel family, typically having a long body and used for hunting or kept as a pet.

## Examples

- The ferret slept in its cage for most of the afternoon.
- Because of their flexible bodies, ferrets are excellent at chasing pests out of narrow tunnels and holes.
- While traditionally used for pest control on farms, the ferret has become a popular domestic companion due to its playful nature and high level of social intelligence.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.