rabbit ears

Definition

A type of indoor television antenna consisting of two adjustable metal rods protruding upward from the top of a TV set, used to receive over-the-air broadcast signals. Users adjusted the angle and position of the rods to optimize reception.

Example Usage

The picture was fuzzy until I repositioned the rabbit ears on top of our television.

Origin

Named for their physical resemblance to rabbit ears; became standard equipment with household televisions from the 1950s through the 1980s.

Fun Fact

Families developed ritual adjustments of rabbit ears during viewing—often involving someone standing near the TV making minute angle changes while others shouted directions from the couch.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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