easy
A squirrel carried an acorn across the path.
What does Squirrel mean?
A squirrel is a rodent; to squirrel something away means to store it for later.
Dictionary definition
A squirrel is one of a family of rodents that includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels. Many familiar species have a bushy tail. As a verb, squirrel means to store something for future use, often in the phrase squirrel away.
Example sentences
Squirrel in a sentence
medium
The red squirrel cached cones for winter.
medium
Flying squirrels glide between trees rather than flying with powered wings.
hard
Maya squirreled away part of her allowance for a future project.
Writing practice
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Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Squirrel
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
Which pair gives two common uses of squirrel?
Squirrel can be a noun for the animal or a verb meaning store for future use.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses squirrel as a verb?
Squirrel away is a phrasal verb meaning store for later.
Practice 3
Why is rodent not a direct synonym for squirrel?
Every squirrel is a rodent, but many rodents are not squirrels.
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Pronunciation coach
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Squirrel
Voice settings
Sounds like
skwur · uhl; uk also skwir · uhl · strongest beat: skwur
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordSquirrel.
Partnoun, verb.
MeaningSquirrel means A squirrel is a rodent; to squirrel something away means to store it for later.
ExampleExample: A squirrel carried an acorn across the path.
Word breakdown
3 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- skwur · uhl; uk also skwir · uhl
- Strongest beat
- skwur
- Ending
- uhl
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on skwur.
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Synonyms
Words like Squirrel
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice squirrel synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The squirrel climbed the tree quickly," then compare close word choices. Practice squirrel synonyms.
Word family
Squirrel word family
Base word
squirrel
noun
squirrels
The plural noun or present-tense verb used with he, she, or it.
verb
squirreled
The North American past-tense spelling; British English often uses squirrelled.
verb
squirreling
The North American -ing form; British English often uses squirrelling.
verb
squirrel away
A phrasal verb meaning to store something, especially money or supplies, for future use.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Squirrel
Hint for students
An animal clue points to the noun. Money, supplies, information, and for later often point to the verb.
Common mix-up
Rodent is the broader animal family, not a direct synonym. The verb squirrel usually appears with away and can describe people storing many kinds of things.
Try it in class or at home
Students sort context cards into animal, animal caching, and human storing, then write one noun sentence and one verb sentence with precise clues.
Teacher prompt
Compare noun and verb uses of squirrel, then map animal food caching to the figurative phrase squirrel away. Where does the meaning extend, and where does it stay different?
Learning activities
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