red fox

noun

: a usually orange-red to reddish-brown Holarctic fox (Vulpes vulpes) that has a white-tipped tail compare silver fox sense 1

Illustration of red fox

Illustration of red fox

Examples of red fox in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The taxidermy mounts in the visitor center — which include a bear, a mountain lion, a red fox, a porcupine, a great horned owl and a rattlesnake — all are wearing party hats. John Meyer, Denver Post, 19 June 2025 The photographer had a face-to-face surprise encounter with this red fox while on the lookout for fallow deer and stonechats. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 For birdwatchers in particular, the downy woodpecker, purple martin and spotted sandpiper are just a few of the species that might make an appearance, while native mammals range from the red fox to the river otter—but the park is perhaps best known for its diverse array of reptiles. Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 This year, two bottlenose dolphins, two harbor seals and a pair of red foxes have made the list. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for red fox

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of red fox was in 1742

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Cite this Entry

“Red fox.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red%20fox. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

red fox

noun
: a usually orange-red to reddish brown fox with a white-tipped tail compare silver fox

More from Merriam-Webster on red fox

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