weaselly

American

[wee-zuh-lee] / ˈwi zə li /

adjective

resembling a weasel, especially in features or manner.

a weaselly little clerk with furtive eyes.

Etymology

Origin of weaselly

First recorded in 1830–40; weasel + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And I promise I won’t do the weaselly thing and offer an excuse.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

Earlier, the MP who represents Ballymena was criticised for an "insincere" and "weaselly" condemnation of the violence.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2025

If they were trying to be martyrs, they'd own their behavior openly, instead of playing weaselly word games on the stand.

From Salon • Apr. 24, 2023

The Chicago Tribune’s Editorial Board even hit back at the museum’s decision, calling Stein’s termination letter to the docents as "weaselly."

From Fox News • Oct. 17, 2021

"My lord father would urge caution," aged Ser Stevron said, with the weaselly smile of a Frey.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023