black-footed ferret

noun

: a rare weasel (Mustela nigripes) of western North American prairies having a yellowish coat, dark feet and facial mask, and a dark-tipped tail

Illustration of black-footed ferret

Illustration of black-footed ferret

Examples of black-footed ferret in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In 2020, conservationists achieved a major milestone with the birth of a black-footed ferret named Elizabeth Ann, who was the first clone of Willa. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 The search is on:Scouring the Arizona desert for black-footed ferrets 'Little vampires' try to adapt to habitat Prairie dogs make up roughly 90% of a black-footed ferret’s diet and provide their only source of shelter. Austin Corona, The Arizona Republic, 23 Sep. 2024 The nonprofit is acquiring slices of crucial habitat to help connect existing public lands in north-central Montana, restoring America’s vast shortgrass prairie and providing a home for everything from bison and pronghorn antelope to grizzly bears, black-footed ferrets, and sage grouse. Outside Online, 26 Sep. 2024 Individual black-footed ferrets typically require 130 acres of prairie dogs to provide them with sufficient prey, according to Jackson. Austin Corona, The Arizona Republic, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for black-footed ferret 

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of black-footed ferret was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near black-footed ferret

Cite this Entry

“Black-footed ferret.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black-footed%20ferret. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

black-footed ferret

noun
black-foot·​ed ferret
ˈblak-ˌfu̇t-əd-
: an endangered weasel of western North American prairies having a yellowish coat, black feet and face markings, and a black-tipped tail

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