English vocabulary · B2
Ferret
/ˈfɛr.ɪt/ · v., n.
It means to search with great effort until you find something hidden.
Watch the Ferret lessonContinue in the learning app for video lessons and review.
Example sentences
- She ferreted out the missing files at last.
- He ferreted out who sent the message.
Word origin and roots
from Old French
- furet — little thief (from Old French)
Synonyms and nuances
- UNCOVER — bring something hidden to light (Reveal & Expose)
- DIG UP — find by searching deeply (Active & Physical)
- HUNT DOWN — find after long pursuit (Chase & Pursue)
Similar words
- uncover
- dig up
- expose
Lesson notes
Ferret. It means to search with great effort until you find something hidden.
Similar words are uncover, dig up, and hunt down. Use ferret when you keep searching until you find a hidden truth.
She ferreted out the missing files at last. He ferreted out who sent the message.
From Old French furet, meaning little thief. A small animal that hunts by going into every dark hole — to ferret out is to find what is hidden.