Search Dictionary
Definition of shirttail

shirttail

/ˈʃɜːrtˌteɪl/
shirt · tail
Plural:shirttails
JUMP TO:

shirttail Lexical Profile

shirttail Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The lower part of a shirt extending below the waist, especially the curved back section designed to be tucked into trousers or a skirt.

Example

"The boy ran into the classroom with his shirttail hanging out of his trousers."

2

American A short, related news item added at the end of a longer newspaper story.

Example

"The editor attached a brief shirttail about local traffic closures to the main article on the storm."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for shirttail

• adjective

1

North American Distantly or vaguely related by blood or marriage.

Example

"A few shirttail cousins from the neighboring county showed up at the annual family reunion."

2

North American Small-scale, informal, or operating with minimal capital and resources.

Example

"They started out as a shirttail publishing operation working out of a converted garage."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for shirttail
Antonyms
View all antonyms for shirttail

• Nearby Words

shirtmaker
shirtsleeve
shirtsleeved
shirttail
shish
shisha
shishapangma

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Shirttail. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/shirttail
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.