weasel
word
/ˈwizəɫ/
WEE-zuhl
/wˈiːzəl/
WEE-zuhl
Definition
A weasel is a small, slender mammal known for its quick movements; in informal English, 'weasel' can also describe a sneaky or untrustworthy person.
Usage & Nuances
As an animal, 'weasel' is formal and scientific; as slang, it's informal and slightly insulting when describing people. Common phrases: 'weasel out of' (avoid something deceitfully). Don't confuse with 'ferret' or 'mongoose', which are different animals.
Spanish: comadrejaPortuguese (BR): doninhaPortuguese (PT): doninhaChinese (Simplified): 鼬鼠Chinese (Traditional): 鼬鼠Hindi: नेवलाArabic: ابن عرسBengali: উদবিড়াল - ধূর্ত ব্যক্তিRussian: ласка - проныра (о человеке)Japanese: イタチ - ずるい人Vietnamese: chồn - người gian xảoKorean: 족제비 - 교활한 사람Turkish: gelincik - kurnaz kişiUrdu: نیول - عیّار (انسان)Indonesian: musang - orang licik
Example Sentences
The weasel ran quickly into the bushes.
basic
He’s such a weasel—you can never trust what he says.
natural
She tried to weasel out of doing her homework.
natural
A weasel has a long, thin body.
basic
We saw a weasel in the garden yesterday.
basic
Don’t be a weasel—just admit you made a mistake!
natural