rabbit ears

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rabbit ears¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

“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

Related Words

• receiver
• wire