bunny

[ buhn-ee ]

noun

, plural bun·nies.

1. Informal. a rabbit, especially a small or young one.
2. 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.

3. Chiefly British. a squirrel.
4. Australian and New Zealand Slang. a person imposed upon or made a fool of; victim.

adjective

1. designed for or used by beginners in skiing:

   a bunny slope.

bunny

/ ˈbʌnɪ /

noun

1. Also calledbunny rabbit a child's word for rabbit
2. Also calledbunny girl a night-club hostess whose costume includes rabbit-like tail and ears
3. informal.
   a mug; dupe
4. slang.
   a devotee of a specified pastime or activity

   gym bunny

   disco bunny

5. slang.
   talk, esp when inconsequential; chatter
6. not a happy bunny slang.
   deeply dissatisfied or discontented

Sensitive Note

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bunny¹

1600–10, Americanism; dial. bun (tail of a) hare or rabbit, in Scots: buttocks (< Scots Gaelic bun bottom) + -y ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of bunny¹

C17: from Scottish Gaelic bun scut of a rabbit

Example Sentences

For example, a mom can type in, “Hannah and her bunny over the years,” and the software will generate a slideshow compilation video from her photo library with music.

From Los Angeles Times

He wakes up at 6 a.m., makes coffee and takes a half-hour walk around his neighborhood, where he enjoys seeing bunnies and hearing birds sing.

From Los Angeles Times

At first, it didn’t seem like he came up with it, bunny hopping away from the wall as Betts began his home run trot.

From Los Angeles Times

Watching their children, Hope and Gus, give their father bunny ears while he was being filmed on the convention floor, you can easily believe it.

From Los Angeles Times

Whether haring down a treacherous Tour de France descent, or bunny hopping up sandy terrain, multi-eventer Pidcock is filling the void left by Britain's millennial cycling superstars.

From BBC

Related Words

• bathing beauty
• beauty queen
• cover girl
• cutie
• cutie-pie
• doll
• dollface
• fox
• glamor girl
• good-looking woman
• pin-up
• tomato