cottontail

[ kot-n-teyl ]

noun

1. any small North American rabbit of the genus Sylvilagus, having a brownish coat and fluffy white tail. tails.

cottontail

/ ˈkɒtənˌteɪl /

noun

1. any of several common rabbits of the genus Sylvilagus, such as S. floridanus ( eastern cottontail ), of American woodlands

Word History and Origins

Origin of cottontail¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; cotton + tail ¹

Example Sentences

The rodents’ leavings have also helped scientists expand the known range for several species, including the eastern cottontail and Gunnison’s prairie dog.

From Popular-Science

A cottontail hopped slowly from his hole to a clump of Spanish bayonet; buzzing gnats and bees hummed by.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he felt Cottontail's nose push against his cheek and, slowly unbending his stiffened limbs, he rose to his feet.

From Project Gutenberg

Down on Connecticut earth, however, the mark was that of the cottontail rabbit.

From Project Gutenberg

This includes words such as Cotton-tail and Cottontail; gatehouse and gate-house.

From Project Gutenberg

Here I came upon some cottontail rabbits, the first and only ones I ever saw in that part of the country.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bunny
• coney
• cony
• hare
• lagomorph
• lapin