jackrabbit
jackrabbit Lexical Profile
jackrabbit Game Scores & Validity
• noun
North American A large hare native to the deserts, prairies, and scrublands of western North America, characterized by very long ears and powerful hind legs adapted for leaping and fast running.
"During our hike through the Arizona desert, a large jackrabbit suddenly bounded out from behind a saguaro cactus."
• verb
North American To start or move suddenly and rapidly, often mimicking the sudden, jerky leaping motion of a frightened hare.
"As soon as the traffic light turned green, the sports car jackrabbited into the intersection, leaving the other vehicles behind."
Word Nuance & Usage
Despite the name, the jackrabbit is biologically a hare, not a true rabbit.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the mid-19th century in the American West; shortened from 'jackass rabbit', a name given to the animal because its exceptionally long ears resembled those of a donkey (a jackass).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.