flying squirrel

American  

noun

1. any of various nocturnal tree squirrels, as Glaucomys volans, of the eastern U.S., having folds of skin connecting the fore and hind legs, permitting long, gliding leaps.

---

flying squirrel British  

noun

1. any nocturnal sciurine rodent of the subfamily Petauristinae , of Asia and North America. Furry folds of skin between the forelegs and hind legs enable these animals to move by gliding leaps

---

Etymology

Origin of flying squirrel

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

flying squirrel

"Jian and the other microraptors probably weren't capable of true, powered flight, but they could probably glide like a flying squirrel," says O'Connor.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 23, 2026

Supporting characters like Fiona, a flying squirrel, and Dash, a deer mouse, round out the cast.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 3, 2026

For example, it has been reported that EU legislation to protect the rare Siberian flying squirrel has also slowed down major infrastructure projects in places like Finland.

From BBC ● Nov. 11, 2024

The number doesn’t include small mammals and low-mobility species often missed by cameras, like the northern flying squirrel, Pacific tree frog, banana slug and coastal giant salamander.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 31, 2024

And then she noticed that the cook was leaping and twirling, waving his knife and trying to reach the flying squirrel.

From "Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures" by Kate DiCamillo