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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of flying squirrel

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

Shadow did not step on one of his chicks, the organization wrote, nor did Jackie accidentally knock a chick from the nest while slapping away a flying squirrel.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2025

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 flying squirrel may be the archetype, and some spiders, lizards and frogs can sail through the air and come in for a soft landing.

From New York Times • May 26, 2022

The flying squirrel and his moose sidekick tangled with Boris and Natasha, spies from “Pottsylvania.”

From Washington Post • Mar. 10, 2022

In that night’s Lemoncello commercial, Keeley—the ringleader of the group that had “defeated” Charles in the Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library game—looked ridiculous dressed up in goofy goggles like a flying squirrel.

From "Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics" by Chris Grabenstein