Squirrel

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈskwɪɹ.É™l/
• Canada IPA: /ˈskwɝl/, /ˈskwɝ.É™l/
• Rhymes: -ɜː(ɹ)l, -ɪɹəl

Origin

From Old French esquirel, escurel (whence French écureuil), from Vulgar Latin scuriolus, diminutive of scurius, variant of Latin sciurus, from Ancient Greek σκίουρος. Displaced native Middle English aquerne, from Old English acweorna.

Noun

1. Any of the rodents of the family Sciuridae distinguished by their large bushy tail.
2. (Scientology, often disparaging) A person, usually a freezoner, who applies L. Ron Hubbard's technology in a heterodox manner.
3. One of the small rollers of a carding machine which work with the large cylinder.

Derived terms

• gray squirrel
• red squirrel

Full definition of squirrel

Verb

1. (transitive) To store in a secretive manner, to hide something for future use

Usage notes

In addition to the single-L forms squirreling and squirreled given above, the less-common double-L forms squirrelling and squirrelled are also attested in UK usage.

Derived terms

• squirrel around
• squirrel away