Fox Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (2024)

1 fox

/ˈfɑːks/

noun

plural

foxes

1 fox

/ˈfɑːks/

noun

plural

foxes

Britannica Dictionary definition of FOX

1

a

[count]

:

a small wild animal that is related to dogs and that has a long pointed nose and a bushy tail

b

[noncount]

:

the fur of a fox

often used before another noun

  • a fox coat

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2

[count]

:

a clever person

  • He's a wily/sly old fox.

  • She's crazy like a fox. [=she seems foolish or strange but is actually very clever]

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3

[count]

US, informal

:

an attractive person

  • She's a real fox. [=she's a very attractive woman]

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Fox Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (1)

2 fox

/ˈfɑːks/

verb

foxes;

foxed;

foxing

2 fox

/ˈfɑːks/

verb

foxes;

foxed;

foxing

Britannica Dictionary definition of FOX

[+ object]

chiefly British

1

:

to trick or fool (someone)

  • They foxed me into telling the secret.

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compare outfox

2

:

to confuse (someone)

  • The problem had us foxed!

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Fox Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (2024)

FAQs

Fox Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary? ›

Britannica Dictionary definition of FOX. 1. a [count] : a small wild animal that is related to dogs and that has a long pointed nose and a bushy tail. b [noncount] : the fur of a fox — often used before another noun. a fox coat.

What is a fox meaning? ›

: any of various carnivorous (see carnivorous sense 1) mammals (especially genus Vulpes) of the dog family related to but smaller than wolves with shorter legs, more pointed muzzle, large erect ears, and long bushy tail. b. : the fur of a fox. 2. : a clever crafty person.

What does the slang term fox mean? ›

“Fox” is slang for an attractive and sexy woman. And may also refer to a sexy man. Other answers have referred to the use of “fox” for someone cunning. But that usage is less common, and the exclamation at the end of your quote suggests that someone is exclaiming on her surprising beauty.

What does fox mean in person? ›

Fox are known for being wily and smart, you use the word fox to describe someone who is sly, who is deceitful, cunning, very clever, tricky, person having sharp ears or people having pointed face. If the term is used on a women/girl it means she is attractive/ gorgeous.

What is the connotative meaning fox? ›

If you describe someone as a fox, you mean they are very clever and deceitful. Enrico was too good, an old fox, cunning.

What does a fox symbolize positively? ›

Positive Associations: Trickster and Adaptability: In some tribes, foxes are seen as clever trickster figures, much like coyotes. They represent resourcefulness, adaptability, and the ability to outsmart challenges.

What does a fox symbolize negatively? ›

In Christianity and in the Bible, foxes are often negative metaphors or have negative connotations like wolves. They encourage mistrust, abuse, and exploitation.

What does it mean to be a fox attitude? ›

If you describe someone as foxy, you mean that they are deceitful in a clever, secretive way. He had wary, foxy eyes. Synonyms: crafty, knowing, sharp, tricky More Synonyms of foxy. 2.

What is a fox mentality? ›

At its core, the Fox Mentality refers to the ability where adaptability, clever thinking, and practical problem-solving reign supreme. The ability to adapt to changing circ*mstances and keep moving forward is crucial when life throws curveballs.

What is the term fox for a girl? ›

/ˈvɪksɪn/ A vixen is a female fox. Or it can be a woman with a temper. If you really want to insult a woman who is a little short on patience, call her a vixen.

What does it mean when a man calls himself a fox? ›

Fox is a word that has not just one positive anthropomorphized quality, but two: cleverness and attractiveness. A term with a more specific positive connotation is silver fox, generally meaning “an attractive middle-aged man having mostly gray or white hair.”

What does like a fox mean in slang? ›

idiom. : appearing foolish or strange but actually very clever. He was old but smart. "Crazy like a fox" was the way she described him.

What do they call a girl fox? ›

Answer and Explanation: A female fox is called a vixen. Male foxes have several names; they are known by a dog fox, a reynard, or a tod. Juvenile foxes are known as cubs, kits, or pups.

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