What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ferret
Example
I have a pet ferret named Fudge. [ferret: noun]
Example
I need to ferret out the truth about what happened. [ferret: verb]
Example
She's always trying to ferret information out of her coworkers. [ferret: verb]
polecat
Example
The polecat is a member of the weasel family. [polecat: noun]
Example
He's a real polecat, always looking out for himself. [polecat: noun]
Example
This project has turned into a real polecat. [polecat: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ferret is a more common word than polecat in everyday language, especially in the context of pets. Polecat is less common and mainly used to describe the animal or negative traits in a person.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ferret and polecat?
Both ferret and polecat are informal words, but ferret can be used in more formal contexts when referring to the animal or the act of searching for something in a thorough and persistent manner.
