# mink

/ˈmɪŋk/ (US) · /mˈɪŋk/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mink
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a small animal with soft, dark brown fur that lives near water. People sometimes use its fur to make expensive coats and clothing.

For teachers: a small, semi-aquatic carnivorous mammal of the family Mustelidae, valued for its high-quality pelt.

## Examples

- The mink swam quickly across the narrow stream.
- The fashion house faced significant criticism from animal rights groups for continuing to use real mink in their winter collection.
- Conservationists are monitoring the impact of escaped American mink on local water vole populations, as the invasive predators often outcompete native species for resources.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the fur as a material; countable when referring to the individual animals.

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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.