tail
tail Lexical Profile
tail Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The flexible, often elongated anatomical appendage that extends from the rear of an animal's body.
"The dog wagged its tail excitedly when its owner returned home from work."
The rear, trailing, or bottom part of an object, vehicle, or formation.
"The heavy crosswind caught the tail of the airplane during the turbulent landing."
A person assigned to secretly follow and observe someone in order to monitor their movements.
"The detective managed to lose his tail by slipping through the crowded subway station."
• verb
To follow and observe someone closely, typically in a secret or clandestine manner.
"The private investigator was hired to tail the executive and document his daily activities."
To gradually diminish in amount, strength, or intensity (often used with 'off' or 'away').
"Consumer demand for the product began to tail off toward the end of the fiscal quarter."
Word Nuance & Usage
Often confused with its homophone 'tale', which refers to a story or narrative, whereas 'tail' refers to an anatomical appendage or the rear portion of an object.
• Rhymes for tail
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'tail', descending from Old English 'tægl' (tail), of Germanic origin; related to Old High German 'zāgal'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.