ermine

noun

er·​mine ˈər-mən How to pronounce ermine (audio)
plural ermines
1
or plural ermine
a
: any of several weasels whose coats become white in winter usually with black on the tip of the tail
especially : a weasel (Mustela erminea) chiefly of northern Eurasia and North America that has a short tail, is found in varied habitats (such as forest, grassland, and tundra), and preys especially on small mammals (such as voles and mice) : short-tailed weasel, stoat
b
: the white fur of the ermine
2
: a rank or office whose ceremonial or official robe is ornamented with ermine

Illustration of ermine

Illustration of ermine
  • winter coat

Examples of ermine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Its name is said to come from the idea that the frosting is as silky as an ermine's white fur. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2024 In June 2023, Theo Bosboom heard about an explosive proliferation of willow ermine moth caterpillars along the river Waal near Boven-Leeuwen, Netherlands, not far from his hometown. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 As the Pages of Honor knelt to adjust the ermine and velvet robe, one reached for a section of the robe by the monarch's hand before pulling away. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 18 July 2024 Her eyes shut, she was draped in a robe with ermine trim, with an inkpot sitting on her skirt and one hand resting on an open book. Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 29 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ermine 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French hermin, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German harmo weasel

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ermine was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near ermine

Cite this Entry

“Ermine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ermine. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

ermine

noun
er·​mine ˈər-mən How to pronounce ermine (audio)
plural ermine or ermines
1
: any of several weasels with black on the tail and a brown coat of fur which usually becomes white in the winter
2
: the white fur of an ermine

More from Merriam-Webster on ermine

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