Squirrel

/ˈskwɜːrəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A small to medium-sized rodent of the family Sciuridae, typically having a bushy tail and known for its agility in climbing trees.

The squirrel scampered up the tree, its fluffy tail trailing behind.

A person who is overly concerned with money, often used in a derogatory context.

Ever since he got the promotion, he's turned into a real squirrel, hoarding every dollar.

verb

To store away or hide something for future use, often used in the context of saving money.

She likes to squirrel away a portion of her paycheck for emergencies.

From Middle English 'squirel', derived from Old French 'esquireul', from Vulgar Latin 'sciuriculus', diminutive of Latin 'sciurus'.

squirrel away

To save money or resources for future use.

squirrelly

Nervous or fidgety; acting in a peculiar manner.

rodent

A gnawing mammal of the order Rodentia, characterized by a single pair of constantly growing incisors in each of the upper and lower jaws.

forage

To search for and gather food, often used in the context of animals.

A person who is overly cautious or saves excessively.

Don't be such a squirrel; spend some of that cash!

To hide something away.

He squirrels away his snacks for later.