Meaning & Definition of word "Tail"

Tail

/teɪl/

1. The elongated rear part of an animal's body.
- Example: The dog wagged its tail excitedly when its owner came home.
2. A similar structure in objects, such as a kite or comet.
- Example: The comet had a beautiful tail that glowed brightly in the night sky.
3. A part of a garment, typically a long piece hanging down from the back.
- Example: The bride's dress had a long, flowing tail that trailed behind her as she walked.
4. The part of a coin opposite the side with the image.
- Example: He flipped the coin and it landed on tails.
5. A person or group of people following someone or something.
- Example: The politician had a tail of reporters following him everywhere he went.

1. To follow someone closely.
- Example: The detective decided to tail the suspect to gather more information.
2. To add a tail to something.
- Example: 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.

Meaning: Tail as a term for a sexual partner.

● Example Sentence: He was out looking for some tail at the club.

Meaning: To follow someone, usually for the purpose of observation.

● Example Sentence: I had to tail him to find out what he was up to.