Meaning & use
antenna
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Meanings
nouncountable
A metal rod or wire device that sends or receives radio, television, or other signals.
Grammar: Countable: one antenna, two antennas (for devices).
Patterns
- a TV antenna
- attach an antenna
- antenna for something
The old radio has a tall antenna on the roof.
We couldn't get a signal until we adjusted the antenna.
Modern phones have antennas built inside the case.
nouncountablebiology
One of a pair of long, thin feelers on the head of an insect or crustacean.
Grammar: Countable: one antenna, two antennae (for insects).
Patterns
- an insect's antennae
- use its antennae
The butterfly uses its antennae to smell the air.
A crab has two pairs of antennae on its head.
The beetle waved its antennae slowly.
Word forms
| plural (devices) | antennas |
|---|---|
| plural (insects) | antennae |
Common combinations
- TV antenna
- We installed a new TV antenna to get better reception.
- radio antenna
- The car's radio antenna was broken.
- satellite antenna
- The satellite antenna must point directly at the satellite.
- insect antennae
- Insect antennae are covered with tiny sense organs.
Synonyms and how they differ
Word family
- antennal adjective
- Relating to an antenna or antennae.
Commonly confused: antenna or antennas vs antennae?
antenna vs antennas vs antennae
Use 'antennas' for man-made devices and 'antennae' for the feelers on insects, especially in scientific writing.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence.
Choose one answer.
For insect feelers, the plural is 'antennae', so 'antennae' is correct. 'Antennas' is used for man-made devices, and 'antenna' and 'antena' are wrong forms here.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “antenna”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.