Coney vs. Rabbit — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 1, 2024
A coney is an archaic term for a European rabbit, specifically the wild type, while the term "rabbit" generally refers to both wild and domesticated species found worldwide.
Difference Between Coney and Rabbit
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term "coney" historically refers to the European rabbit in its wild state, particularly before domestication. In contrast, "rabbit" is a more encompassing term that includes all varieties of the species, both wild and domesticated, and extends to different breeds and regions.
While coney is used primarily in historical and some regional contexts, such as in literary works or specific dialects, the term rabbit is universally recognized and used in both scientific and casual discourse.
The use of "coney" has declined significantly and is often considered archaic, whereas "rabbit" remains contemporary and widely applicable.
While the term coney might evoke a sense of antiquity or locality, referring specifically to the fauna of Europe, rabbit encompasses a broader ecological and cultural scope, symbolizing the animal in diverse habitats worldwide.
Whereas coney is rarely used in modern language outside of specific contexts like biblical translations or historical texts, rabbit is prevalent in everyday language, children’s literature, and scientific communications.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Old term for the wild European rabbit.
Refers to both wild and domesticated rabbits, globally.
Usage
Historical, less common today.
Common and contemporary in everyday and scientific use.
Context
Often seen in biblical or older texts.
Used in general discussions, scientific contexts, and pet care.
Geographical Association
Primarily European.
Worldwide, includes numerous breeds and species.
Connotation
Archaic, specific to wild species.
Broad, applicable to a variety of contexts and species.
Compare with Definitions
Coney
Often used in biblical and literary contexts to denote a rabbit.
The scriptures mention coney as a creature that makes its home in the rocks.
Rabbit
Common in modern usage, both in pet care and wildlife contexts.
We visited a rabbit rescue center to learn about their care.
Coney
Now considered an archaic or dialect-specific term.
My grandmother still uses the word coney to describe the rabbits in her countryside.
Rabbit
Used widely in scientific research and studies.
The laboratory focuses on rabbit genetics to understand reproductive traits.
Coney
Rarely used in modern scientific or common language.
Few people today know that coney was once a common term for rabbits.
Rabbit
Includes various breeds, both wild and domesticated.
She raises several different breeds of rabbits for local shows.
Coney
A historical term for wild rabbits, particularly in Europe.
In the old text, they referred to hunting coney in the king's forest.
Rabbit
Symbolic in many cultures, often associated with timidity and speed.
In folklore, the rabbit is often a clever trickster escaping danger.
Coney
Primarily associated with the European rabbit before it was widely domesticated.
The stew was traditionally made with coney caught from the wild.
Rabbit
A small mammal known for its long ears and fast breeding, found in many regions.
The white rabbit dashed across the field, quickly disappearing from sight.
Coney
A rabbit, especially the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus).
Rabbit
Any of various long-eared, short-tailed, burrowing mammals of the family Leporidae, such as the commonly domesticated species Oryctolagus cuniculus, native to Europe and widely introduced elsewhere, or the cottontail of the Americas.
Coney
The fur of a rabbit.
Rabbit
A hare.
Coney
See pika.
Rabbit
The flesh of a rabbit, used as food.
Coney
See hyrax.
Rabbit
The fur of a rabbit or hare.
Coney
A grouper (Cephalopholis fulva) of the tropical Atlantic, having dark brown, yellow, or bicolored skin and black spots at the base of the tail and on the lower lip.
Rabbit
A competitor who is designated to set a fast pace for a teammate during a long-distance race.
Coney
Chiefly Florida Keys & West Indies Any of various related fish, especially the graysby.
Rabbit
A racehorse that is run at a fast pace early in a race in order to tire the favorite so that another horse can take the lead.
Coney
A Coney Island.
Rabbit
A mechanical decoy that is propelled around the track in a greyhound race to incite the dogs.
Coney
Alternative spelling of cony.
Rabbit
To hunt rabbits or hares.
Coney
Alternative spelling of cony.
Rabbit
A mammal of the family Leporidae, with long ears, long hind legs and a short, fluffy tail.
The pioneers survived by eating the small game they could get: rabbits, squirrels and occasionally a raccoon.
Coney
(Jamaica) the Jamaican coney (Geocapromys brownii), a hutia endemic to Jamaica
Rabbit
(uncountable) The meat from this animal.
Coney
A rabbit. See Cony.
Rabbit
(uncountable) The fur of a rabbit typically used to imitate another animal's fur.
Coney
A fish. See Cony.
Rabbit
A runner in a distance race whose goal is mainly to set the pace, either to tire a specific rival so that a teammate can win or to help another break a record; a pacesetter.
Coney
Black-spotted usually dusky-colored fish with reddish fins
Rabbit
(cricket) A very poor batsman; selected as a bowler or wicket-keeper.
Coney
Any of several small ungulate mammals of Africa and Asia with rodent-like incisors and feet with hooflike toes
Rabbit
(comptheory) A large element at the beginning of a list of items to be bubble sorted, and thus tending to be quickly swapped into its correct position. Compare turtle.
Coney
Small short-eared burrowing mammal of rocky uplands of Asia and western North America
Rabbit
Rarebit; Welsh rabbit or a similar dish: melted cheese served atop toast.
Coney
Any of various burrowing animals of the family Leporidae having long ears and short tails; some domesticated and raised for pets or food
Rabbit
A pneumatically-controlled tool used to insert small samples of material inside the core of a nuclear reactor.
Rabbit
(intransitive) To hunt rabbits.
Rabbit
To flee.
The informant seemed skittish, as if he was about to rabbit.
When the three friends heard someone behind them yell, "police, freeze!" they each rabbited in a different direction.
Rabbit
To talk incessantly and in a childish manner; to babble annoyingly.
Rabbit on
Stop your infernal rabbiting! Use proper words or nobody will listen to you!
Rabbit
Confound; damn; drat.
Rabbit
Any of the smaller species of the genus Lepus, especially the common European species (Lepus cuniculus), which is often kept as a pet, and has been introduced into many countries. It is remarkably prolific, and has become a pest in some parts of Australia and New Zealand.
Rabbit
Any of various burrowing animals of the family Leporidae having long ears and short tails; some domesticated and raised for pets or food
Rabbit
The fur of a rabbit
Rabbit
Flesh of any of various rabbits or hares (wild or domesticated) eaten as food
Rabbit
Hunt rabbits
Common Curiosities
Why is the term coney not commonly used now?
Coney fell out of general usage as the modern term "rabbit" became more prevalent and is considered archaic.
Are coney and rabbit the same animal?
Yes, coney is just an archaic name for a rabbit, specifically the European species in the wild.
What is the difference in context between coney and rabbit?
Coney is typically found in historical or biblical contexts, whereas rabbit is used in a wide variety of contemporary discussions.
Is coney still used in any modern contexts?
It is rarely used, mostly appearing in historical texts, biblical translations, or specific regional dialects.
How are rabbits culturally significant in comparison to coneys?
Rabbits have a broad cultural significance globally, including in mythology, folklore, and as pets, unlike the more narrowly defined coney.
How did rabbit replace coney in common language?
Rabbit became more popular as it broadly referred to both domesticated and wild varieties, making it more universally applicable.
What exactly is a coney?
Coney is an old English term specifically used for the wild European rabbit.
Can the term rabbit refer to any species of rabbit?
Yes, the term rabbit encompasses all species and breeds, both wild and domesticated, globally.
Are there specific regions where coney is still used today?
It may still be used in some British dialects or regions that retain older forms of English.
Are there any specific laws or regulations that still use the term coney?
It’s unlikely, as most modern legal and scientific documents would use the term rabbit.
What types of rabbits were originally called coneys?
The term was primarily used for the European wild rabbits before domestication.
Does the decline in the use of coney affect how rabbits are studied or perceived?
It does not affect scientific study but may influence how rabbits are referred to in historical or cultural discussions.
Why might someone prefer to use the term coney today?
Using coney could be a stylistic choice to give a sense of antiquity or to adhere to historical accuracy in writing.
What should one know when referring to a rabbit as a coney in conversation?
One should be aware that the term coney might not be understood by everyone and could be seen as an archaic or unusual term.
How do literary works differentiate between coney and rabbit?
Literary works, especially older ones, may use coney to evoke a historical or rustic feel.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
