# antennae

/ænˈtɛni/ (US) · /æntˈɛniː/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/antennae
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

the long, thin parts on the heads of insects that they use to feel or smell things. It can also refer to the metal rods on a house or car that receive radio or TV signals.

For teachers: the plural form of 'antenna'. Refers to the paired sensory appendages on the heads of arthropods or, in a technical sense, the metallic conductors used for sending or receiving electromagnetic waves.

## Examples

- The butterfly moved its antennae to sense the air.
- Biologists observed the beetle using its antennae to navigate the dark forest floor and locate food sources.
- While the biological antennae of insects are sophisticated chemical sensors, the metallic antennae atop the building were designed specifically to capture high-frequency satellite transmissions for the local network.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The insect has two antennaes" but "The insect has two antennae" — Antennae is already the plural form of the Latin-derived antenna; adding an 's' is a common error.

## Usage notes

- The plural of 'antenna'. In biological contexts, 'antennae' is the standard plural; in electronics and radio contexts, 'antennas' is often preferred.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.