sugar glider: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowprimarily scientific, zoological, and exotic pet hobbyist; informal when used metaphorically.
Quick answer
What does “sugar glider” mean?
A small, nocturnal, arboreal possum native to Australia, New Guinea, and certain Indonesian islands, known for its ability to glide through the air using a membrane between its fore and hind legs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, nocturnal, arboreal possum native to Australia, New Guinea, and certain Indonesian islands, known for its ability to glide through the air using a membrane between its fore and hind legs.
The term is also used to refer to these animals kept as exotic pets. In a broader sense, it can be used metaphorically to describe something or someone that moves with a graceful, gliding motion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. The term is used identically in both varieties, originating from the animal's native region.
Connotations
Neutral/descriptive in scientific contexts. In pet-keeping contexts, it connotes exoticism and specialised care requirements.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, largely confined to specific domains like zoology, wildlife documentaries, and exotic pet communities.
Grammar
How to Use “sugar glider” in a Sentence
Noun + verb (e.g., The sugar glider glides.)Adjective + sugar glider (e.g., a pet sugar glider)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in the context of exotic pet trade or wildlife tourism.
Academic
Common in biology, zoology, ecology, and veterinary science papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Used by exotic pet owners and enthusiasts. Otherwise, not common in general conversation.
Technical
Standard term in zoological classification and veterinary medicine for the species.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sugar glider”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sugar glider”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sugar glider”
- Misspelling as 'sugar glider' (incorrect capitalisation), 'suger glider', or 'sugar glieder'. Using it as a countable noun without an article (e.g., 'I saw sugar glider' instead of 'I saw a sugar glider').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they cannot fly like birds or bats. They glide by stretching out a membrane of skin called a patagium, which acts like a parachute.
Generally, no. They are nocturnal, require specialised care, a specific diet, and can live over 12 years in captivity, representing a significant commitment.
It refers to their preference for sweet foods like tree sap, nectar, and fruit, which form a large part of their natural diet.
In the wild, they can glide distances of over 50 metres (164 feet) from a high point, using their tail as a rudder to steer.
A small, nocturnal, arboreal possum native to Australia, New Guinea, and certain Indonesian islands, known for its ability to glide through the air using a membrane between its fore and hind legs.
Sugar glider is usually primarily scientific, zoological, and exotic pet hobbyist; informal when used metaphorically. in register.
Sugar glider: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃʊɡə ˌɡlaɪdə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃʊɡər ˌɡlaɪdər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny, sweet-toothed pilot: it loves SUGAR and is a master GLIDER.
Conceptual Metaphor
GLIDING IS FLYING; THE ANIMAL IS A LIVING PARAGLIDER.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of the sugar glider's patagium?