flying squirrel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (specialist/technical in literal sense; rare in metaphorical use).Informal to technical (depending on context).
Quick answer
What does “flying squirrel” mean?
A small, nocturnal squirrel with skin flaps (patagia) between its front and hind legs that allow it to glide between trees.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, nocturnal squirrel with skin flaps (patagia) between its front and hind legs that allow it to glide between trees.
Can sometimes refer metaphorically to any animal or object with a similar gliding capability.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or use; the animal is less common in the UK, so the term is less familiar.
Connotations
Neutral zoological term. In American English, may evoke childhood nature lessons or backyard wildlife in some regions.
Frequency
Higher familiarity in American English due to native species (e.g., the Southern/Northern flying squirrel).
Grammar
How to Use “flying squirrel” in a Sentence
The [adj] flying squirrel glided from the [tree part].We spotted a flying squirrel [prepositional phrase of location].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flying squirrel” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The flying-squirrel population is stable in this forest.
American English
- We built a flying squirrel nesting box.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in zoology, biology, and ecology papers discussing mammalian adaptation, gliding mechanics, or forest ecosystems.
Everyday
Used when discussing wildlife sightings, nature documentaries, or unusual pets.
Technical
Used in taxonomic classification (e.g., tribe Pteromyini) and descriptions of patagium morphology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flying squirrel”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flying squirrel”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flying squirrel”
- Using 'flying squirrel' to refer to a bat.
- Thinking it can fly like a bird rather than glide.
- Misspelling as 'fliying squirrel' or 'flyingsquirrel' (should be two words or hyphenated as a compound noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they cannot fly like birds or bats. They are gliders. They launch themselves from a high point and use a furry membrane (patagium) to glide downwards to another tree.
No. They are an example of convergent evolution. Flying squirrels are placental mammals (rodents) found in the Americas and Eurasia. Sugar gliders are marsupials found in Australia and New Guinea.
They inhabit forested areas across North America, Europe, and Asia. They are nocturnal and nest in tree cavities or abandoned bird nests.
It is most commonly written as two separate words ('flying squirrel'). It can be hyphenated ('flying-squirrel') when used as a compound modifier before a noun (e.g., flying-squirrel habitat).
A small, nocturnal squirrel with skin flaps (patagia) between its front and hind legs that allow it to glide between trees.
Flying squirrel is usually informal to technical (depending on context). in register.
Flying squirrel: in British English it is pronounced /ˌflaɪ.ɪŋ ˈskwɪr.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌflaɪ.ɪŋ ˈskwɝː.əl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a squirrel wearing a tiny CAPE, flying (gliding) like a superhero between trees.
Conceptual Metaphor
NATURE'S GLIDER; A LIVING PARAGLIDER.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary mode of locomotion for a flying squirrel?