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Definition of needletail

needletail

/ˈniːdəlˌteɪl/
nee · dle · tail
Plural:needletails
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needletail Lexical Profile

• noun

1

Any of several large, fast-flying swifts (family Apodidae, particularly in the genus Hirundapus) native primarily to Asia and Australasia, characterized by stiff, sharp feather shafts that project like needles from the end of their tail.

Example

"The white-throated needletail is renowned among ornithologists as one of the fastest flying birds in level, powered flight."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for needletail

• Nearby Words

needless
needlessly
needlessness
needletail
needlewoman
needlework
needleworker

Word Origin & Etymology

A compound of 'needle' and 'tail', so named because the central shafts of their tail feathers are stiff and project noticeably beyond the webbing, resembling small needles.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Needletail. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/needletail
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