# otter

/ˈɑtɝ/ (US) · /ˈɒtɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/otter
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the animal

noun · CEFR B1

a small animal with brown fur and short legs that lives in rivers or the sea and eats fish.

For teachers: any of several semi-aquatic carnivorous mammals of the subfamily Lutrinae, characterised by dense fur and webbed feet.

- We sat quietly by the river hoping to see an otter swimming upstream.
- Conservationists have noted a significant recovery in the local otter population since the implementation of stricter water quality regulations.

### 2. slang for a person

noun · CEFR B2 · Slang · Informal

a man who has a lot of body hair but is thin or fit, rather than heavy.

For teachers: a slang term within the gay community for a man who is hirsute but possesses a slender or athletic build.

- He describes himself as an otter because he is hairy but has a runner's build.
- The subcultural taxonomy of the gay community often distinguishes between 'bears' and 'otters' based on the ratio of body hair to body mass.

Teaching tip: This is a specific subcultural term; while not offensive, it is mostly used within LGBTQ+ contexts to describe physical types.

## Examples

- The otter swam quickly across the river to catch a fish.
- While hiking along the riverbank, we spotted a family of otters playing in the shallow water near the rocks.
- Conservation efforts have successfully reintroduced the river otter to several habitats where pollution and overhunting had previously led to local extinction.

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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.