bunny

[ buhn-ee ]

/ ˈbʌn i /

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noun, plural bun·nies.

Informal. a rabbit, especially a small or young one.

Slang: Sometimes Disparaging and Offensive. a pretty, appealing, or alluring young woman, often one ostensibly engaged in a sport or similar activity: beach bunny; ski bunny.

Chiefly British. a squirrel.

Australian and New Zealand Slang. a person imposed upon or made a fool of; victim.

adjective

designed for or used by beginners in skiing: a bunny slope.

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of bunny

1600–10, Americanism; dial. bun (tail of a) hare or rabbit, in Scots: buttocks (<Scots Gaelic bun bottom) + -y²

usage note for bunny

The meaning “pretty woman” is sometimes used with disparaging intent and perceived as insulting. For instance, a beach bunny is an alluring female who frequents the beach only to meet male surfers. But bunny was originally (and still is) used as a term of endearment for a girl or young woman.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use bunny in a sentence

“As much as I love sunny meadows and bunnies, I also love spooky forests with owls,” she says.
The Wonderful Weirdness of Christine McConnell, Queen of Creepy Cookies|Tim Teeman|July 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He resisted the lures of the buckle bunnies who linger late in a rodeo arena, looking to sidle up against the winners.
The Death of a Rodeo Cowboy|Peter Richmond|May 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Adventuresome moviegoers can thank the Oscars as bunnies can thank spring.
The Oscar International Film Festival: ‘Stranger By the Lake’ and Foreign Films You Should Watch|Jimmy So|February 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In fact, my mother brought a copy to the club and circulated it among the bunnies.
My Mom’s Life as a Playboy Bunny|Susanna Speier|September 25, 2011|DAILY BEAST

The Playboy Club had just premiered, the new NBC show about Playboy Bunnies back in the day.
My Mom’s Life as a Playboy Bunny|Susanna Speier|September 25, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Their fur gets all wet and roughened up, and they look more like half-drowned rats than pretty, fluffy bunnies.
Bumper, The White Rabbit|George Ethelbert Walsh
Meanwhile the dogs are having a rare time of it hustling the bunnies forward.
Unexplored Spain|Abel Chapman
Oh, Bert, its a shame to shoot the bunnies, but we cant starve!
The Bobbsey Twins at Cedar Camp|Laura Lee Hope
Then the Bunnies very politely escorted Robin home, which was really just round the corner.
Robin's Rambles|May Byron
The 'bunnies,' as Miss Dorothy Stacy called them, were a source of continual delight to me.
An American Girl in London|Sara Jeannette Duncan

British Dictionary definitions for bunny

bunny

/ (ˈbʌnɪ) /

noun plural -nies

Also called: bunny rabbit a child's word for rabbit (def. 1)

Also called: bunny girl a night-club hostess whose costume includes rabbit-like tail and ears

Australian informal a mug; dupe

slang a devotee of a specified pastime or activitygym bunny; disco bunny

British slang talk, esp when inconsequential; chatter

not a happy bunny British slang deeply dissatisfied or discontented

Word Origin for bunny

C17: from Scottish Gaelic bun scut of a rabbit

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

bunny

Origin of bunny

usage note for bunny

Words related to bunny

How to use bunny in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for bunny

Word Origin for bunny