tail

[teɪl]

tail Definition

• 1. the hindmost part of an animal, especially when prolonged beyond the rest of the body, such as the flexible extension of the backbone in a vertebrate, the feathers at the hind end of a bird, or a terminal appendage in an insect.
• 2. the rear part of a person's body.
• 3. a thing resembling an animal's tail in its shape or position, typically extending downwards or outwards at the end of something.

Using tail: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tail" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The dog wagged its tail excitedly.

• Example

  He held the fish by the tail.

• Example

  The car had a tail of dust behind it.

• Example

  She wore a dress with a long train that trailed behind her like a tail.

tail Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for tail

• appendage
• end
• rear
• backside
• extremity

Antonyms for tail

• front
• head

Phrases with tail

• turn tail

  to run away or retreat from a difficult situation

  Example

  When they saw the police coming, the thieves turned tail and ran.

• between your legs

  in a state of defeat or humiliation

  Example

  After losing the game, the team went home with their tails between their legs.

• get off someone's tail

  to stop following or pursuing someone closely

  Example

  The paparazzi were chasing the celebrity, but the bodyguards managed to get them off his tail.

Origins of tail

Old English 'tægl', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'taggel'.

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Summary: tail in Brief

The term 'tail' [teɪl] refers to the hindmost part of an animal or person's body, or a thing resembling it. It can be a flexible extension of the backbone in a vertebrate, feathers at the hind end of a bird, or a terminal appendage in an insect. Phrases like 'turn tail' denote running away, while 'between your legs' implies defeat or humiliation.