ermine crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the "ermine crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide the most accurate and common answers, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "ermine crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
STOAT: A common answer, as an ermine is a stoat in its white winter coat.
6 Letters
ERMINE: Sometimes the clue directly refers to the animal itself as the answer.
WEASEL: Ermines are part of the weasel family, making this a broader but relevant answer.
More About "ermine crossword clue"
The ermine is a fascinating creature, biologically known as a stoat (Mustela erminea). It's famous for its dramatic seasonal coat change: brown in summer and a pristine white in winter, save for a black tip on its tail. It's this luxurious winter fur that has historically been referred to as 'ermine' and was highly prized, often used in royal robes and judicial attire, symbolizing purity and status.
In crosswords, clues about ermines often test your knowledge of synonyms or related terms. While "STOAT" is the most direct and common answer, especially for clues focusing on the animal's identity, "WEASEL" might appear if the puzzle seeks a broader classification, as the ermine belongs to the Mustelidae (weasel) family. Sometimes, the word "ERMINE" itself is the answer, particularly if the clue is about the fur or a direct naming.
Understanding these nuances can help you decipher not just this clue, but also similar animal or natural world-themed entries in future puzzles. The context of the clue and the number of letters available are always critical guides.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count: Always use the number of boxes provided as your first filter. For "ermine crossword clue," knowing if it's 5 or 6 letters immediately narrows down options like STOAT, ERMINE, or WEASEL.
- Consider Synonyms and Categories: Crossword constructors often use synonyms or broader categories. For an animal clue, think about its common name, scientific name, or the family it belongs to.
- Look for Wordplay and Double Meanings: Some clues might refer to the word "ermine" in a different context, perhaps related to fur or royalty, rather than just the animal itself. Always keep an open mind for wordplay.
- Use Cross-References: If you have a few letters filled in from intersecting words, use them to confirm or narrow down your choices for the ermine clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ermine?
An ermine is the common name for a stoat, especially when it has grown its white winter coat. Its fur was historically highly valued.
Why is 'STOAT' a common answer for 'ermine crossword clue'?
The ermine is biologically the same animal as a stoat. 'Ermine' specifically refers to the stoat in its white winter fur, prized for its use in robes and formal wear, making 'STOAT' the direct and most common answer.
Are ermines and weasels the same thing?
Ermines (or stoats) are a species within the wider weasel family (Mustelidae). So, while an ermine is a type of weasel, not all weasels are ermines. 'WEASEL' can be a suitable answer if the crossword clue is looking for a broader category.