NYT Dictionary

CHINCHILLA

/t͡ʃɪnˈt͡ʃɪlə/
Nounchin-CHIL-lachin-chil-la · 3 syllablesGrade 8

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2019, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025

Meaning

A small, crepuscular rodent of the genus Chinchilla, native to the Andes Mountains, prized for their very soft fur and often kept as pets.

Etymology

Origin: Spanish

Borrowed from Spanish chinchilla.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

animalantelopearmadillobatbuckskincorduroycottonelephanterminefabric

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 4 recorded puzzles:

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