long-eared

A rabbit with long-eared hops through the grass.

Definition

Adjective: Having long ears, especially as a characteristic of certain animals (such as rabbits, hares, or some dog breeds). This is a compound word formed from "long" (extended in length) and "eared" (having ears).

Usage Examples

• (The rabbit with notably long ears became alert.)
• (She adopted a dog breed characterized by its long ears.)
• (Owls of the species , which have prominent ear-like tufts.)

Advanced Usage

• "Long-eared" as a descriptive modifier: Used to specify a particular physical trait in animals, often in biological or taxonomic contexts.
  • The long-eared bat is a species found in temperate regions. (A bat species named for its unusually long ears.)
• Figurative use (rare): Occasionally used metaphorically to describe a person or thing that is overly attentive or "all ears."
  • The long-eared gossip overheard every conversation. (A person who listens intently to private matters, though this usage is informal and uncommon.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ear (n): the organ of hearing.
  • The dog's ear was floppy and soft.
• Long (adj): measuring a great distance from end to end.
  • The rabbit's ears were very long.
• Long-eared owl (n): a specific species of owl () with prominent ear tufts.
  • The long-eared owl hunts at night.
• Long-eared bat (n): any of several bat species with notably long ears (e.g., ).
  • The long-eared bat uses its ears to detect prey.

Synonyms

• Big-eared: having large ears (more general, not necessarily long).
  • The big-eared elephant listened carefully.
• Flop-eared: having ears that droop or hang down (often used for dogs like basset hounds).
  • The flop-eared puppy was adorable.

Related Idioms

• Long ears: a phrase used to describe someone who is nosy or eavesdrops (from the notion that ears are long to hear better).
  • She has long ears; don't whisper secrets near her. (She is prone to overhearing private conversations.)
• All ears: fully attentive and ready to listen.
  • Tell me your story — I'm all ears. (I am listening carefully.)

Note on Usage

"Long-eared" is primarily used as a descriptive adjective in zoology, animal husbandry, and everyday descriptions of animals. It is rarely applied to humans except in metaphorical or humorous contexts. The word is always hyphenated when used as a compound modifier before a noun (e.g., "long-eared rabbit").