Meaning

An often domesticated mammal (Mustela putorius furo) rather like a weasel, descended from the European polecat and often trained to hunt burrowing animals..

Definitions by Sense

1. An often domesticated mammal (Mustela putorius furo) rather like a weasel, descended from the European polecat and often trained to hunt burrowing animals.
2. A black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes).
3. (figurative) A diligent searcher.
4. To hunt game with ferrets.
5. (by extension, ambitransitive) To uncover and bring to light by searching; usually to ferret out.
6. (dated) A tape of silk, cotton, or ribbon, used to tie documents, clothing, etc. or along the edge of fabric.

Example Sentences

The most challenging documentary discoveries were made by a tenacious archival ferret, Dr Antonio Bertoletti. In 1879 he published his findings in a slim, refreshingly dry volume, Francesco Cenci e la sua Famiglia.

Master Fer! I'll fer him, and firk him, and ferret him.

I confess that we were so unpopular with the outrageous mob, that I only got away from England at the risk of being ducked to death, and that Cly was so ferreted up and down, that he never would have got away at all but for that sham.

He had been piqued by the failure of all his endeavors to ferret out the assassins.

She ferreted in her bag; then held it up mouth downwards; then fumbled in her lap, all so vigorously that Charles Steele in the Panama hat suspended his paint-brush.

red tape and green ferret

Word Forms

• ferrets
• ferreting
• ferreted

Synonyms for ferret

Related Words

When Should You Use Ferret?

Use ferret when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

Practice This Word

Frequently Asked Questions