Phrase guide

squirrel away

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To stash or hide; to hoard, collect, save, or accumulate; to create a reserve, stash, or hoard of some supply.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal, transitive

Examples

  • He had bits of string, cans of nails and lots of other useful tidbits squirreled away throughout his garage.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

save up as for future use

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: hoard, stash, cache, lay away, hive up

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: save, lay aside, save up

History

Etymology

Suggesting the way that squirrels hide nuts in a cache.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: hamstrata — To stash or hide
  • Polish: chomikować — To stash or hide
  • Spanish: zampuzar — To stash or hide
  • Spanish: escamotear — To stash or hide