Tail: meaning, definitions and examples

Refers to the elongated part projecting from the rear of an animal. Commonly used in both scientific and everyday language when talking about animals.

• The dog wagged its tail excitedly.
• A lizard's tail can detach and grow back.

Can be used informally to refer to the back part of anything, often a vehicle or a person's buttocks. It has a casual tone.

• She accidentally bumped the rear end of the car in front of her.
• He fell right on his rear end when the chair broke.

Commonly used in a more formal or scientific context to describe the back part of an animal, especially in veterinary and biological discussions.

• The vet examined the horse's hindquarters for any signs of injury.
• A kangaroo's powerful hindquarters allow it to jump great distances.

Typically used in informal, everyday language to mean the back part of anything or someone's buttocks. It has a mild, casual tone.

• He landed on his backside when he slipped on the ice.
• The painting is on the backside of the canvas.

Refers to the hindmost part of an animal, especially a vertebrate, or used metaphorically to denote the end part of something long. It can also mean to follow someone closely.

• The dog wagged its tail excitedly.
• The car had a long tail of traffic behind it.
• She tailed him through the narrow alley.

Used to specify the back part of something, especially in relation to a vehicle or building. Can also refer to the back side of an army or a group.

• The spare tire is kept in the rear of the car.
• We entered through the rear entrance.
• The rear troops moved forward as the front lines advanced.

Signifies the final point or the furthest extent of something, whether in space or time. Used in contexts where something finishes or is no longer continuing.

• The end of the movie was very emotional.
• Please turn to the end of the chapter.
• At the end of the day, what matters most is your happiness.

Describes the rear part of something or the part opposite the front. Often used to indicate the side of an object or person's body that is turned away from you.

• She hurt her back lifting heavy boxes.
• The garden is at the back of the house.
• He patted me on the back as a sign of congratulations.

Typically used in surveillance or when someone is being followed secretly, it implies a focused and often deliberate act of following.

• The detective decided to tail the suspect to gather more evidence
• He noticed someone tailing him on his way home

Used broadly in both literal and metaphorical senses, it means to come after or move behind someone or something. It's neutral and suitable for everyday use.

• She followed her friend into the store
• He follows his favorite band on social media

Often implies a secretive or undercover action of following someone closely, sometimes with an implication of watching or spying on them. It can carry a slightly negative or suspicious connotation.

• The reporter decided to shadow the politician to uncover the truth
• He felt uneasy, as if someone was shadowing his every move

Used when someone or something is following behind at some distance, often in scenarios involving travel or pursuit. It can imply a slower or less direct following.

• The hikers trailed behind their guide
• The detective trailed the suspect through the crowded market