flying squirrel

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of flying squirrel¹

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

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

The year after his procedure, Moody helped break a national record for participating in the largest group of people to skydive together while wearing wingsuits, those getups that turn people into flying squirrels.

From Salon

Secondary cavity nesters include other birds — bluebirds, tree swallows, various wrens and owls, and even wood ducks — as well as flying squirrels, bats and more.

From Seattle Times

But even if most mammals are landlubbers, the ability to glide or fly has evolved again and again during mammalian evolution, in species ranging from bats to flying squirrels.

From Science Daily

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

From Literature