antenna: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to technical; common in everyday, scientific, and media/technology contexts.
Quick answer
What does “antenna” mean?
A slender, flexible appendage on the head of insects, crustaceans, and some other arthropods, used for sensing the environment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A slender, flexible appendage on the head of insects, crustaceans, and some other arthropods, used for sensing the environment; or a metal rod, wire, or other structure used for transmitting or receiving radio waves.
In figurative use, it can refer to a person's intuitive sensitivity or ability to detect subtle signals, trends, or social cues.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major difference in meaning. 'Aerial' is a common British synonym for the radio/TV device, though 'antenna' is fully understood. 'Antenna' is the dominant term in American English for all contexts.
Connotations
In British English, 'aerial' might sound slightly more everyday for a TV rod, while 'antenna' can sound more technical or American. In both varieties, the biological sense is exclusively 'antenna(e)'.
Frequency
'Antenna' is more frequent in American English across all contexts. In British English, 'aerial' and 'antenna' are both common for the technological sense.
Grammar
How to Use “antenna” in a Sentence
have + antenna (e.g., The insect has long antennae)install/mount + antenna (e.g., We mounted the antenna on the roof)receive/pick up + signal + with/on + antenna (e.g., The radio picks up signals with its built-in antenna)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “antenna” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The old television aerial on the roof was blown down in the storm.
- The beetle waved its delicate antennae.
- His political antennae are highly tuned.
American English
- We need a new antenna for the car radio.
- The butterfly's antennae help it smell flowers.
- She has sharp antennae for detecting trouble.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in telecom/tech industries (e.g., 'We need to boost our network antenna capacity').
Academic
Common in biology, entomology, engineering, and physics texts.
Everyday
Common for discussing TV/radio reception, insects, or car radios.
Technical
Precise term in telecommunications, electronics, and zoology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “antenna”
- Using 'antenna' as a countable noun for the biological sense without using the correct plural 'antennae' in formal writing (e.g., 'The ant has two antenna' is incorrect; use 'antennae').
- Confusing 'aerial' (UK) and 'antenna' (US) in translation.
- Misspelling plural as 'antennas' for biological contexts in academic work.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Antennae' is the traditional Latin plural used primarily for the sensory organs of animals. 'Antennas' is the regular English plural, now common for both technological devices and, increasingly in informal contexts, for animals. In formal scientific writing, 'antennae' is still preferred for biology.
For radio/TV receivers, yes, 'aerial' is the common British equivalent. However, 'antenna' is perfectly understood in the UK and is standard in technical fields. 'Aerial' is not used for insect feelers.
Yes, often in the plural ('antennae'). It means a person's intuitive sensitivity or ability to detect subtle information (e.g., 'He has good antennae for market trends').
No, the standard pronunciation /ænˈten.ə/ is essentially the same in both major varieties.
A slender, flexible appendage on the head of insects, crustaceans, and some other arthropods, used for sensing the environment.
Antenna is usually neutral to technical; common in everyday, scientific, and media/technology contexts. in register.
Antenna: in British English it is pronounced /ænˈten.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ænˈten.ə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “have one's antennae out (to be alert and looking for information)”
- “put up antennae (to become alert or suspicious)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an ANT with its TEN NAughty feelers – ANTENNA. Ants use them to sense everything.
Conceptual Metaphor
SENSITIVITY IS AN ANTENNA (e.g., 'She has good political antennae' meaning she is sensitive to political shifts).
Practice
Quiz
In a formal biological text, what is the correct plural form?