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

Examples of black-footed ferret in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The refuge hosts bison herds (try the wildlife drive!), a black-footed ferret exhibit, and plenty of prairie dogs. —Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 14 Nov. 2025

Animals like the black-footed ferret, American bison and Hawaiian monk seal are only found in the United States. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025

But others, like the black-footed ferret, Houston toad and the red wolf, for example, remain endangered—even after almost 60 years of federal attention. —Christine Peterson, Wired News, 5 July 2025

But others, like the black-footed ferret, Houston toad and the red wolf, for example, remain endangered — even after almost 60 years of federal attention. —Christine Peterson, Vox, 27 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for black-footed ferret

• buret
• carat
• garret
• karat
• merit
• parrot
• demerit
• inherit
• preterit
• disinherit

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