Main Difference
The main difference between Rabbit and Hare is that the Rabbit is a common name, of a mammal and Hare is a genus of mammals.
Rabbit
Rabbits are small mammals in the family Leporidae of the order Lagomorpha (along with the hare and the pika). Oryctolagus cuniculus includes the European rabbit species and its descendants, the over 200 breeds of domestic rabbit. Sylvilagus includes thirteen wild rabbit species, among them the seven types of cottontail. The rabbit is familiar as a wild prey animal and as a domesticated form of livestock and pet throughout much of the world. With its far-reaching effect on ecologies and on cultures, the rabbit (or bunny) has made its way into our daily life—as food, clothing, and companion—and our art, as symbol and muse.
Hare
Hares and jackrabbits are leporids belonging to the genus Lepus. Hares are classified in the same family as rabbits. They are similar in size and form to rabbits and have similar herbivorous diets, but generally have longer ears and live solitarily or in pairs. Also unlike rabbits, their young are able to fend for themselves shortly after birth (precocial) rather than emerging blind and helpless (altricial). Most are fast runners. Hare species are native to Africa, Eurasia, North America, and the Japanese archipelago.
Five leporid species with “hare” in their common names are not considered true hares: the hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus), and four species known as red rock hares (comprising Pronolagus). Conversely, Jackrabbits are hares, rather than rabbits.
A hare less than one year old is called a leveret. A group of hares is called a “drove”.
Rabbit (noun)
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.”
Rabbit (noun)
The fur of a rabbit typically used to imitate another animal’s fur.
Rabbit (noun)
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.
Rabbit (noun)
A very poor batsman; selected as a bowler or wicket-keeper.
Rabbit (noun)
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.
Rabbit (verb)
To hunt rabbits.
Rabbit (verb)
To flee.
“”The informant seemed skittish, as if he was about to rabbit.”
Rabbit (verb)
To talk incessantly and in a childish manner; to babble annoyingly.
“Stop your infernal rabbiting! Use proper words or nobody will listen to you!”
“Commonly used in the form “to rabbit on””
Hare (noun)
Any of several plant-eating animals of the family Leporidae, especially of the genus Lepus, similar to a rabbit, but larger and with longer ears.
Hare (noun)
The player in a paperchase, or hare and hounds game, who leaves a trail of paper to be followed.
Hare (verb)
To move swiftly.
Hare (verb)
To excite; to tease, or worry; to harry.
Hare (adjective)
Grey, hoary; grey-haired, venerable (of people).
“a hare old man”
Hare (adjective)
Cold, frosty (of weather).
“a hare day”
Hare (noun)
a fast-running, long-eared mammal that resembles a large rabbit, having very long hind legs and typically found in grassland or open woodland.
Hare (noun)
a dummy hare propelled around the track in greyhound racing.
Hare (verb)
run with great speed
“he hared off between the trees”