tail Definition
- 1the 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.
- 2the rear part of a person's body.
- 3a 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
Phrases with tail
Example
When they saw the police coming, the thieves turned tail and ran.
Example
After losing the game, the team went home with their tails between their legs.
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'.
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.
