Tail: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿพ
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tail

 

[ teษชl ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

of an animal

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 that moves with a fish.

Synonyms

backside, hindquarters, rear end

Examples of usage

  • The cat wagged its tail in excitement.
  • The peacock displayed its colorful tail feathers.
  • The fish swam gracefully, its tail moving back and forth.
Context #2 | Noun

end of something

The rear part of an aircraft, with the tailplane and rudder.

Synonyms

back, end, rear

Examples of usage

  • The pilot made adjustments to the tail of the plane.
  • The plane's tail was painted with the company logo.
Context #3 | Verb

follow behind

Follow or hang behind (someone or something) closely.

Synonyms

follow, shadow, trail

Examples of usage

  • The dog tailed its owner as they walked through the park.
  • The detective tailed the suspect through the crowded streets.

Translations

Translations of the word "tail" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น cauda

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅ‚เค‚เค›

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Schwanz

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ ekor

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั…ะฒั–ัั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ogon

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅฐพ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท queue

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ cola

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kuyruk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ผฌ๋ฆฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฐูŠู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ocas

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ chvost

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฐพๅทด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ rep

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hali

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›าฑะนั€ั‹า›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒฃแƒ“แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ quyruq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ cola

Etymology

The word 'tail' originated from Old English 'tรฆgl' which referred to the hindmost part of an animal. Over time, its usage expanded to include the rear part of objects such as aircraft. The verb form of 'tail' emerged in the 16th century, meaning to follow closely behind. Today, 'tail' remains a versatile word used in various contexts.

See also: tailcoat, tailor, tailored, tails.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,259, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.