Rabbit Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rabbit

[หˆrรฆbษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

cute animal

A small furry animal with long ears, a short tail, and soft paws. Rabbits are known for their hopping abilities and for eating carrots.

Synonyms

bunny, hare, lapin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rabbit

Used in general context to refer to the common small mammal with long ears that eats plants. This term is appropriate in both formal and informal settings.

  • I've seen a rabbit in the garden today
  • Rabbits make great pets for children
bunny

Used in an informal or affectionate context, often when talking to or about children. It can also appear in a more whimsical or playful setting.

  • The little girl hugged her stuffed bunny as she fell asleep
  • The Easter Bunny is a popular figure during spring holidays
hare

Refers specifically to a larger relative of the rabbit, often found in the wild, and is used in more formal or scientific contexts.

  • The hare darted across the field, its long legs moving swiftly
  • Biologists study the behaviors of hares in different habitats
lapin

A term often used in French cuisine to refer to rabbit meat. It is seen in culinary or gourmet contexts.

  • The chef prepared a delicious lapin stew for the evening's special
  • Lapin is a delicacy in many traditional French dishes

Examples of usage

  • I saw a cute rabbit in the garden today.
  • Rabbits are popular pets because they are friendly and playful.
Context #2 | Verb

quick movement

To move quickly in a zigzag pattern, like a rabbit. It can also mean to evade or avoid something swiftly.

Synonyms

dart, dash, scurry.

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Word Description / Examples
dash

This word is often used to describe a fast, often short-distance sprint or burst of speed, usually involving a sense of urgency or hurry.

  • He dashed to the store to get some milk before it closed.
  • The athletes dashed towards the finish line.
dart

Use this word when describing a quick and sudden movement, often in situations that require quick reflexes or reactions.

  • The cat darted across the room to catch the mouse.
  • She darted behind the tree to avoid being seen.
scurry

Typically used to describe a quick, light movement, often associated with small animals or people moving hurriedly but slightly chaotically.

  • The mice scurried across the kitchen floor.
  • Kids scurried to their seats as the bell rang.

Examples of usage

  • The child rabbited across the field to catch up with his friends.
  • She rabbited out of the room before anyone could stop her.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Rabbits are associated with Easter, symbolizing new life and rebirth.
  • In many cultures, they represent fertility and abundance due to their high reproduction rate.

Science

  • Rabbits belong to the Leporidae family, which includes hares, and they are herbivores, primarily eating plants.
  • They have a unique digestive system that allows them to extract nutrients efficiently, often re-eating their feces.

Literature

  • The character of the White Rabbit in Lewis Carroll's 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' symbolizes curiosity and the passage of time.
  • Beatrix Potterโ€™s 'Peter Rabbit' has become a classic tale, illustrating the adventures of a mischievous rabbit.

Pop Culture

  • Rabbits have appeared in various films and shows, such as Bugs Bunny in the Looney Tunes cartoons, becoming cultural icons.
  • In video games like 'Animal Crossing', players can interact with rabbit characters that offer different personalities and styles.

Origin of 'rabbit'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'rabbit' comes from the Old French word 'rabut', which means 'to strike back'.
  • In Middle English, it was spelled 'rabit', reflecting how the word has evolved over time.

The word 'rabbit' originated from the Middle English 'rabet', which came from the Old French 'lapin'. Rabbits have been domesticated since the Roman times and are known for their prolific breeding. They play a significant role in folklore and are often associated with fertility and spring.


Word Frequency Rank

At #6,560 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.