Tale

/teɪl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A narrative that is imagined or invented; a story, especially one of a fictitious or exaggerated nature.

The old man told a fantastical tale about a dragon that lived in the mountains.

A story that is often passed down orally and may carry moral or cultural significance.

She recounted the familiar tale of Cinderella to her children.

A report or account of an event or incident, especially one that may not be entirely accurate.

He spun a tale about his adventures while traveling through Europe, which made all his friends jealous.

A false report or lie.

His tale about winning the lottery was quickly dismissed as a mere fabrication.

Middle English, from Old English 'talu', akin to German 'Zahl', meaning story or telling.

tale as old as time

A story that has been told for a very long time.

tall tale

An exaggerated, improbable story.

story

A narrative of real or fictional events.

fable

A short story typically with a moral lesson.

legend

A traditional story sometimes regarded as historical but unverifiable.

A tall tale

He's always telling tall tales about his adventures.

A sob story

Don’t give me that sob story; I know you're fine.