How to Pronounce "prick up its ears"
expression
ˈpɹɪk/ /ˈəp/ /ˈɪts/, /ɪts/ /ˈiɹz/, /ˈɪɹz
PRIK-up-its-EERZ
pɹˈɪk/ /ˈʌp/ /ˈɪts/ /ˈiəz
prik-UP-its-EE-uhz
Definition
This expression means to listen carefully or become suddenly alert, usually because something interesting or important has been noticed. Literally, it refers to how animals raise their ears when they are attentive.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈpɹɪk/ /ˈəp/ /ˈɪts/, /ɪts/ /ˈiɹz/, /ˈɪɹz
British English
pɹˈɪk/ /ˈʌp/ /ˈɪts/ /ˈiəz
Simplified Pronunciation
US
PRIK-up-its-EERZ
UK
prik-UP-its-EE-uhz
Listen in Context
The dog pricked up its ears when it heard a noise.
Whenever I say 'walk,' my puppy pricks up its ears.
The rabbit pricked up its ears at the sound of footsteps.
When I mentioned free pizza, everyone in the office pricked up their ears.