Definition

Noun: 1. The long ears of a rabbit: The distinctive, elongated auditory organs of a rabbit. 2. An indoor television antenna: A type of indoor TV antenna consisting of two adjustable, rod-like elements that are typically arranged in a V-shape to receive broadcast signals.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Animal Anatomy):

  • The cartoon character was easily identified by its large rabbit ears.
  • The rabbit's keen hearing is aided by its prominent rabbit ears.

• Noun (Electronics):

  • Before cable TV, many households used rabbit ears to get a clear signal.
  • He adjusted the rabbit ears on top of the television to reduce the static.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used metaphorically to describe someone who is intently listening or trying to pick up information.
  • The reporter had his rabbit ears on during the confidential briefing.
• In a historical or nostalgic context, "rabbit ears" symbolize early television technology.
  • The museum had an exhibit on 20th-century media, featuring an old set with rabbit ears.

Variants and Related Words

• Antenna: A more general term for a device used to transmit or receive radio waves.
• Dipole antenna: The technical term for the simple two-part antenna design that "rabbit ears" exemplify.

Synonyms

• For the antenna: Indoor antenna, TV antenna, V-antenna.
• For the animal feature: (No direct single-word synonym; described as "long ears" or "lagomorphic ears").

Related Phrases

• To put up the rabbit ears: To set up or adjust the television antenna.
  • The picture is snowy; can you put up the rabbit ears and see if it improves?

Related Idioms

• Rabbit ears (in sports slang): A term describing an athlete, especially a pitcher in baseball, who is overly sensitive to criticism or taunts from the crowd or opponents.
  • The coach told the rookie not to have rabbit ears and to ignore the hecklers.

Noun

1. the long ears of a rabbit
2. an indoor TV antenna; consists of two extendible rods that form a V