Meaning & Definition of word "Ferret"

Ferret

/ˈfɛrɪt/

1. A domesticated domesticated mammal of the weasel family, often kept as a pet or used for hunting.
- Example: He bought a ferret as a pet, attracted by their playful nature.
2. A person who is seen as sneaky or inquisitive.
- Example: My friend has become a bit of a ferret, always poking around in other people's business.

1. To search for something persistently; to hunt or rummage.
- Example: She had to ferret through several boxes before finding the old photographs.
2. To drive out a ferret from its den or hiding place.
- Example: They used a trained ferret to ferret out the rabbits hiding in the brush.
3. To uncover or extract information.
- Example: The detective managed to ferret out the truth behind the mysterious disappearance.

Middle English 'ferret', from Old French 'ferret', from Latin 'furrettus', diminutive of 'fur', meaning 'thief'.

ferret out:

to uncover or discover by searching.

like a ferret:

to act sneakily or cunningly.

weasel:

A small, agile carnivorous mammal related to the ferret.

polecat:

A similar carnivorous mammal, often associated with the ferret.

Meaning: To snoop or pry into someone’s affairs.

Example Sentence: He was ferreting around in her desk when she wasn't looking.

Meaning: To persistently search for information.

Example Sentence: The reporter was ferreting for gossip about the celebrity.