jackrabbit

Everyday

1. A jackrabbit is a large hare of western North America with very long ears and strong back legs. tree →
2. (informal, US) To jackrabbit is to start or move suddenly and fast, like a car shooting off from traffic lights. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons about deserts, jackrabbits use their huge ears to lose heat and can run up to about 60 km per hour. Despite the name, a jackrabbit is a hare, not a rabbit: hares are born with fur and open eyes. Phrases: «jackrabbit start», «black-tailed jackrabbit».

Examples

• A jackrabbit leapt out from behind the cactus. tree →
• Jackrabbits have long ears that help them stay cool. tree →
• The black-tailed jackrabbit lives in the deserts of the USA and Mexico. tree →
• A jackrabbit can run faster than most dogs. tree →
• The car made a jackrabbit start when the lights turned green. tree →
• Coyotes and eagles hunt jackrabbits. tree →

Note

One word. A jackrabbit is a hare, not a true rabbit. Plural «jackrabbits». Mostly American; in the UK you would say «hare».