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

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

After all, he says, the life of the woolly flying squirrel is “one of the strangest ways to be a mammal.”

From Washington Post ● Apr. 11, 2023

He became convinced he could fly to his wife through the air, or glide, like a flying squirrel.

From "Abel's Island" by William Steig