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Synonyms

rabbit ears

American  

noun

  1. an indoor television antenna consisting of two telescoping, swivel-based aerials.

  2. Sports Slang. acute sensitivity to gibes, insults, or sarcasm.

    Players with rabbit ears are the favorite targets of bench jockeys.


Etymology

Origin of rabbit ears

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Now, if you have a TV with rabbit ears, we’re going to be able to hit 100% of our audience,” Smith said.

From Seattle Times

A majority of antenna users are older, having grown up watching TV that pulled in signals with rabbit ears sitting atop a set or an aerial antenna on a roof.

From Los Angeles Times

Sometimes he would command me or my sister to adjust the rabbit ears to get better reception.

From Washington Post

Pastries from local bakeries — walnut baklava, pistachio-loaded phyllo tarts, ventagli in the shape of rabbit ears — are kept in a glass case.

From New York Times

“I’m trying not to let it overshadow the obvious historic moment that was today,” she said, adding that she watched it on a TV with rabbit ears she pulled from the closet.

From Seattle Times