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fennec

noun
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fen·​nec | \ ˈfe-nik How to pronounce fennec (audio) \

Definition of fennec

: a small pale-fawn fox (Vulpes zerda synonym Fennecus zerda) with large ears that inhabits the deserts of northern Africa and Arabia

Examples of fennec in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The team’s tested the trunk on birds, sand cats and fennec foxes so far. — Sarah Haselhorst, Cincinnati.com, "At the zoo, meerkats work for their dinner with the help of GE engineers and some titanium," 8 June 2020 In 2015, both a Great Dane dog and fennec fox were found to have eyes crusted with green mucus. — Tessa Duvall, The Courier-Journal, "'Tiger Baby Playtime' roadside zoo's wildlife permit revoked by feds for 120+ violations," 7 Feb. 2020 Many desert animals, such as the fennec fox, are nocturnal, coming out to hunt only when the brutal sun has descended. — Christina Nunez, National Geographic, "Deserts, explained," 12 June 2019 The event also featured a lemur, two macaws, and an African fennec fox. — CBS News, "Florida high school regrets displaying caged tiger at prom," 14 May 2018 In addition to the caged tiger, school officials said a lemur, two macaws and an African fennec fox were also on site. — Fiza Pirani, ajc, "Caged tiger at Florida prom prompts backlash over ‘exploiting animals’," 14 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fennec.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of fennec

1790, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for fennec

borrowed from Arabic fanak

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Cite this Entry

“Fennec.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fennec. Accessed 25 Feb. 2021.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fennec

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fennec

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