Weasel Meaning
/ˈwiːz(ə)l/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounAny of the carnivorous mammals of the genera Mustela, Neogale, Poecilogale, and Lyncodon, having a slender body, a long tail and usually a light brown upper coat and light-coloured belly.
nounA least weasel (Mustela nivalis).
Sentence Examples
The weasel is noted for its bad smell.
‘Wezel’ is the Dutch for ‘weasel’. Both are derived from the Proto-Germanic *wisulǭ.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The sly reporter tried to ____ his way into the private meeting using a fake ID.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A ____ is a small and very agile predator that is known for its ability to hunt in tight spaces today.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Proto-Germanic *wisulǭ Proto-West Germanic *wisulā Old English weosule Middle English wēsele English weasel From Middle English wesele, from Old English weosule, from Proto-West Germanic *wisulā, from Proto-Germanic *wisulǭ. The verb is from c. 1900, from the supposed cunningness of the weasel.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"An old traditional prescription for provoking erotic inclinations ran as follows, The toe of the foot of a man, anointed with oil, or honey, or the ashes of a weasel."
— 1961, Harry E. Wedeck, Dictionary of Aphrodisiacs, New York: The Citadel Press, page 234:
"Once you've gone beyond the scripted speeches, soundbites and cliches, you'll notice how the debate about leadership is primarily divided between the three governors and two senators, the other two weasels, Donald Trump and Ben Carson notwithstanding."
— 2016 February 8, Marwan Bishara, “Why Obama fails the leadership test in the Middle East”, in Al Jazeera English:
"He's weaseled himself into a position where he can influence the outcome of this election."
— 2006, Tony Ruggiero, Alien Deception:
"Within just a couple of days, she [a dog] had weaseled her way into our hearts."
— 2010, Susie Davis, Uncovered: Revealing the Secrets of a Sexy Marriage, page 147:
"Authority figures have a history of weaseling on this topic."
— 1996, Stefan Bechtel, Larry Stains, Sex: A Man's Guide, page 151:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The sly reporter tried to ____ his way into the private meeting using a fake ID.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A ____ is a small and very agile predator that is known for its ability to hunt in tight spaces today.