Dictionary
1weasel
noun wea·sel \ˈwē-zəl\
: a small animal that has a thin body and brown fur and that eats small birds and other animals
: a dishonest person who cannot be trusted
plural weasels
Full Definition of WEASEL
1
or plural weasel : any of various small slender active carnivorous mammals (genus Mustela of the family Mustelidae, the weasel family) that are able to prey on animals (as rabbits) larger than themselves, are mostly brown with white or yellowish underparts, and in northern forms turn white in winter — compare ermine 1a
2
: a light self-propelled tracked vehicle built either for traveling over snow, ice, or sand or as an amphibious vehicle
3
: a sneaky, untrustworthy, or insincere person
See weasel defined for English-language learners
See weasel defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Illustration of WEASEL
Origin of WEASEL
Middle English wesele, from Old English weosule; akin to Old High German wisula weasel
First Known Use: before 12th century
2weasel
verb
wea·seledwea·sel·ing \ˈwēz-liŋ, ˈwē-zə-\
Definition of WEASEL
intransitive verb
1
: to use weasel words : equivocate
2
: to escape from or evade a situation or obligation —often used with out
transitive verb
: to manipulate shiftily
See weasel defined for English-language learners
Origin of WEASEL
weasel word
First Known Use: 1900
Related to WEASEL
- Synonyms
- fudge, hedge, pussyfoot, tergiversate, waffle, equivocate
WEASEL Defined for Kids
weasel
noun wea·sel \ˈwē-zəl\
Definition of WEASEL for Kids
: a small slender active animal related to the mink that feeds on small birds and animals (as mice)
Learn More About WEASEL
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: weasel catPrevious Word in the Dictionary: wease–allanAll Words Near: weasel
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up weasel? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).