jackrabbit

noun

jack·​rab·​bit ˈjak-ˌra-bət How to pronounce jackrabbit (audio)
: any of several large hares (genus Lepus) of western North America having very long ears and long hind legs

Examples of jackrabbit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Coyotes – along with jackrabbits, raccoons, red foxes, porcupines, and skunks — are classified as non-game species in Wyoming, which means there are no bag limits, and they can be taken year-round without a license. Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 31 Jan. 2024 The 10th model, prompted to write about historical English architecture, spews out gibberish about jackrabbits. Rahul Rao, Scientific American, 28 July 2023 The preferred diet of jackrabbits is grass, but that can be hard to find, especially in the hottest desert months. Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Oct. 2023 In terms of sophistication, Mitsubishi's all-new DOHC, 215-horsepower V-6 is very untrucklike, and took to high-speed interstate driving like a greyhound after a jackrabbit. Martin Padgett Jr., Car and Driver, 2 Aug. 2023 Best not to overthink the simple pleasures here—among them dead-perfect needle drops and a jackrabbit pace. Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 13 Sep. 2023 For the second year in a row, Long Beach Poly pulled a jackrabbit out of a hat to stun Mission Viejo. Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2023 Other mammals that are protected species like badger, jackrabbit, moose and flying squirrel are prohibited from hunting. Drew Dawson, Journal Sentinel, 16 Sep. 2017 Even the world-weary Marjorie, whom Cooper plays with muted energy, is an unlikely and horny jackrabbit. Naveen Kumar, Variety, 24 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'jackrabbit.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

jack entry 1 (jackass) + rabbit; from its long ears

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jackrabbit was in 1863

Dictionary Entries Near jackrabbit

Cite this Entry

“Jackrabbit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jackrabbit. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

jackrabbit

noun
jack·​rab·​bit -ˌrab-ət How to pronounce jackrabbit (audio)
: any of several large hares of western North America with very long ears and long hind legs
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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