First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1fox
noun, often attributive \ˈfäks\
: a small wild animal that is related to dogs and that has a long pointed nose and a bushy tail
: the fur of a fox
: a clever person
plural fox·es also fox
Full Definition of FOX
1
a : any of various carnivorous mammals (especially genus Vulpes) of the dog family related to but smaller than wolves with shorter legs, more pointed muzzle, large erect ears, and long bushy tail b : the fur of a fox
2
: a clever crafty person
3
archaic : sword
4
capitalized : a member of an American Indian people formerly living in what is now Wisconsin
5
: a good-looking young woman or man
See fox defined for English-language learners
See fox defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of FOX
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German fuhs fox and perhaps to Sanskrit puccha tail
Related to FOX
2fox
verb
: to trick or fool (someone)
: to confuse (someone)
Full Definition of FOX
transitive verb
1
obsolete : intoxicate
See fox defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FOX
1611
Fox
biographical name \ˈfäks\
Definition of FOX
Charles James 1749–1806 Eng. statesman & orator
Fox
biographical name
Definition of FOX
George 1624–1691 Eng. preacher & founder of Society of Friends
Fox
geographical name \ˈfäks\
Definition of FOX
1
river 220 miles (354 kilometers) SE Wisconsin & NE Illinois flowing S into Illinois River
2
river 175 miles (282 kilometers) E Wisconsin flowing NE & N through Lake Winnebago into Green Bay
FOX Defined for Kids
fox
noun \ˈfäks\
Definition of FOX for Kids
1
: a wild animal closely related to the wolf that has a sharp snout, pointed ears, and a long bushy tail
2
cap : a member of an American Indian people formerly living in what is now Wisconsin
Learn More About FOX
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: fox and geesePrevious Word in the Dictionary: fowl spirochetosisAll Words Near: fox
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up fox? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).