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Definition of fur
furred
;furring
transitive verb
1 : to cover, line, trim, or clothe with fur
2 : to coat or clog as if with fur
3 : to apply furring to
intransitive verb
: to become coated or clogged as if with fur
Explore M-W
Recent Examples of fur from the Web
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There’s pathos in Newt’s mission to save these furred and feathered beings, an honorable calling that serves as a bewitched if overly tidy and cute vision of our own better natures.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fur'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did You Know?
When the word fur first came into English, it was a verb that meant “to line a person’s garment with the soft hair of an animal.” The noun developed from the verb. First, the noun referred to the animal hair that was used for lining and trimming a garment. Then it came to refer to the hairy coat on the animal itself. The verb, not much used anymore, was taken from the early French verb furrer, meaning “to stuff, fill, line.” It was formed from an earlier French word meaning “a sheath.” Thus our word fur for the hairy coat that covers or encases an animal traces back to a word for a sheath that encases a knife or sword.
Origin and Etymology of fur
Middle English furren, from Anglo-French furrer to stuff, fill, line, from fuerre sheath, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German fuotar sheath; akin to Greek pōma lid, cover, Sanskrit pāti he protects
fur
Definition of fur
1 : a piece of the dressed pelt of an animal used to make, trim, or line wearing apparel
2 : an article of clothing made of or with fur
3 : the hairy coat of a mammal especially when fine, soft, and thick; also : such a coat with the skin
4 : a coating resembling fur: such asa : a coat of epithelial debris on the tongueb : the thick pile of a fabric (such as chenille)
Examples of fur in a Sentence
The cat has black-and-white fur.
The rabbit's fur is soft.
Her gloves are lined with fur.
He made his fortune trading furs in the 17th century.
Her new fur is a full-length mink coat.
a teddy bear with soft fur
Recent Examples of fur from the Web
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Down from the mountains, fur-trapping explorer Jim Bridger retired with his goiter and rheumatism in his farmhouse on the other side of the crick.
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In America's early days, corn was so sought after that it was exchanged as currency for furs and meat.
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Intriguingly, Clapton also says that Jon won’t always be wearing furs and capes this season.
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Opening and closing the show, Campbell first walked in a black and white fur coat followed by a sparkling black gown, both of which were topped off with a towering headwrap.
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A vet can advise on the quantity and type of food, Breuninger said, but the exercise part will be up to you and your fur baby.
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To speed up the naming process, Kim has tasked the public with the responsibility of naming the little fur ball.
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And Net-a-Porter is not alone: Other big-ticket brands that have also recently announced fur-free policies include Armani, HUGO BOSS, and VF Corporation, the owner of The North Face, Nautica, and Timberland.
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A kayaking guide and a group of tourists witnessed an incredible life-and-death fight between a massive fur seal and a massive octopus in New Zealand earlier this week.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fur'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of fur
14th century
fur
Definition of fur
furlong
FUR Defined for English Language Learners
fur
Definition of fur for English Language Learners
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: the hairy coat of an animal especially when it is soft and thick
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: the fur of an animal used for clothing
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: a piece of clothing (such as a coat) made with fur
FUR Defined for Kids
fur
playDefinition of fur for Students
1 : the hairy coat of a mammal especially when fine, soft, and thick
2 : a piece of the pelt of an animal
3 : an article of clothing made with fur
furred
\ˈfərd\ adjectiveHistory for fur
Though we think of fur as part of the animal that wears it, the history of the word fur begins with clothing rather than animals. Middle English furre, “fur trim or lining for a garment,” was shortened from the synonymous word furour, or else derived from a verb furren, “to trim or line (a garment) with animal skin.” This verb was borrowed from medieval French fourrer, with the identical meaning. Fourrer is a derivative of fuerre, meaning “sheath, wrapper,” since lining a garment provides a sort of warm wrapper for its wearer.
Medical Dictionary
fur
playMedical Definition of fur
1: the hairy coat of a mammal especially when fine, soft, and thick
2: a coat of epithelial debris on the tongue
Learn More about fur
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See words that rhyme with fur Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for fur Spanish Central: Translation of fur Nglish: Translation of fur for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of fur for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fur
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