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

Each morning, I knew when to scan the trails for cottontails just starting their day.

From Los Angeles Times

The one that the public will soon see there, however, isn’t a typical little brown cottontail.

From New York Times

Each morning, I knew when to scan the trails for cottontails just starting their days.

From Los Angeles Times

Listed as threatened since 1990, these long-lived reptiles don’t live alone; they can dig up to 25 burrows a year—and share the space with creatures from geckos to cottontails.

From National Geographic

More damaging were the rabbits, specifically Eastern cottontails.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

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