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
She ferreted through her bag to find her keys. [ferret: verb]
Example
The journalist ferreted out the truth behind the scandal. [ferreted: past tense]
weasel
Example
The weasel darted across the road and disappeared into the bushes. [weasel: noun]
Example
He's such a weasel, always finding ways to avoid doing his share of the work. [weasel: adjective]
Example
She tried to weasel her way out of trouble by blaming her mistakes on her coworkers. [weasel: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ferret is more commonly used than weasel in everyday language, especially when referring to the domesticated animal. Weasel is less common and is often used metaphorically to describe negative human behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ferret and weasel?
Both ferret and weasel are considered informal words, but weasel may be seen as more informal or even slang when used to describe negative human behavior.
