gray squirrel

noun

: a common light gray to black squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) that is native to eastern North America and has been introduced into Great Britain and South Africa

Examples of gray squirrel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While gray squirrels are solitary, flying squirrels may live in colonies of four to five squirrels. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026 The partridge wings were served en papillate, and the gray squirrels were simmered in Madeira. Jeffrey Steingarten, Vogue, 23 Nov. 2025 Later, a gray squirrel expressed its displeasure at an interloper disrupting its peace. Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026 The gray squirrel is more nervous/skittish than the fox squirrel and will generally run away sooner and check its surroundings more regularly. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gray squirrel

Word History

First Known Use

1674, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gray squirrel was in 1674

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gray squirrel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gray%20squirrel. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

gray squirrel

noun
: a common light gray to black squirrel native to eastern North America and introduced into Europe
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster