écureuil

squirrel

noun eh-kyuh-RUH-ee Rare

Usage Note

Écureuil is one of those French words learners find tricky to spell — note the cluster -euil. The red squirrel (écureuil roux) is common in France, while the grey squirrel (écureuil gris) is considered an invasive species. The word is also used as a nickname for someone who hoards things.

Examples

"L'écureuil grimpe dans l'arbre."

Natural Translation

The squirrel climbs up the tree.

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