jackrabbit

American  

[jak-rab-it] / ˈdʒækˌræb ɪt /

adjective

1. resembling a jack rabbit, as in suddenness or rapidity of movement.

   The car made a jackrabbit start when the traffic light turned green.

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verb (used without object)

1. to go or start forward with a rapid, sudden movement.

Etymology

Origin of jackrabbit

First recorded in 1925–30; see origin at jack rabbit

Example Sentences

“But every exploding colorful sunset, every jackrabbit, every coyote sighting changed my brain chemistry,” said Shah.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2024

It features animals such as white-tailed deer, jackrabbit, alligator snapping turtle, lake sturgeon, blue jay and roseate spoonbill.

From BBC • Jul. 13, 2021

He never was a jackrabbit and seems content with the hundreds of other ways that we show love.

From Slate • Oct. 11, 2020

Now, a new study shows how: by borrowing a gene from a jackrabbit, one of their long-eared cousins.

From Science Magazine • Jun. 21, 2018

Laika, freshly bathed the evening before, following a complete body massage on a dead jackrabbit, rested her chin on top of my bare foot.

From "100 Sideways Miles" by Andrew Smith