Tail

/teɪl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The elongated rear part of an animal's body.

The dog wagged its tail excitedly when its owner came home.

A similar structure in objects, such as a kite or comet.

The comet had a beautiful tail that glowed brightly in the night sky.

A part of a garment, typically a long piece hanging down from the back.

The bride's dress had a long, flowing tail that trailed behind her as she walked.

The part of a coin opposite the side with the image.

He flipped the coin and it landed on tails.

A person or group of people following someone or something.

The politician had a tail of reporters following him everywhere he went.

verb

To follow someone closely.

The detective decided to tail the suspect to gather more information.

To add a tail to something.

They decided to tail the new feature to the software update.

Middle English, from Old English 'tægel', related to similar Germain words.

tail end

The final part of something.

tail between one's legs

To retreat humbly or submissively.

a long tail

A group of numerous small items that together make a significant total.

turntail

To retreat quickly.

tails

The plural form of 'tail'.

tailbone

The small bone at the base of the spine.

tailwind

A wind that blows in the direction of travel.

Tail as a term for a sexual partner.

He was out looking for some tail at the club.

To follow someone, usually for the purpose of observation.

I had to tail him to find out what he was up to.