What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mongoose
Example
The mongoose is a natural predator of snakes. [mongoose: noun]
Example
She keeps a pet mongoose in her backyard. [mongoose: noun]
Example
He dodged the defender like a mongoose. [mongoose: simile]
ferret
Example
She has two ferrets as pets. [ferrets: noun]
Example
The farmer used ferrets to catch rabbits. [ferrets: noun]
Example
He ferreted out the truth about the scandal. [ferreted: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ferret is more commonly used than mongoose in everyday language, especially in the context of pets.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mongoose and ferret?
Both mongoose and ferret are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.
