: any of a genus (Genetta) of small Old World usually carnivorous viverrid mammals related to the civets and having retractile claws, spotted or striped fur, and a ringed tail
Examples of genet in a Sentence
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Predators include mongooses, genets, jackals, domestic dogs and cats, owls, and snakes.
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National Geographic, 19 Nov. 2019
Federal officials said inspectors identified the skins were from bushbucks, a species of antelope in sub-Saharan Africa, and from genets and civets, small catlike mammals.
—Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2019
The skins and heads were identified as being from the bushback species of antelope, and genet and civet, which are cat-like mammals, according to CBP and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) inspectors.
—Fox News, 11 Oct. 2019
Lions, cheetahs and leopards may be spotted during the day, while night brings out a parade of smaller carnivores, including serval, genets, civets, pale foxes and honey badgers.
—Rachel Nuwer, New York Times, 14 May 2018
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National Geographic, 19 Nov. 2019
Federal officials said inspectors identified the skins were from bushbucks, a species of antelope in sub-Saharan Africa, and from genets and civets, small catlike mammals.
—Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2019
The skins and heads were identified as being from the bushback species of antelope, and genet and civet, which are cat-like mammals, according to CBP and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) inspectors.
—Fox News, 11 Oct. 2019
Lions, cheetahs and leopards may be spotted during the day, while night brings out a parade of smaller carnivores, including serval, genets, civets, pale foxes and honey badgers.
—Rachel Nuwer, New York Times, 14 May 2018
Cite this Entry
“Genet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genet. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationBiographical Definition
Genet 1 of 2
biographical name (1)
Ge·net
zhə-ˈnā 
Edmond-Charles-Édouard 1763–1834 Citizen Genet French diplomat in U.S.
Genet
2 of 2biographical name (2)
Jean 1910–1986 French dramatist and novelist
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