B1noun1K

Tail

UK /["/teɪl/"]/US /["/teɪl/"]/

Definition

the part that sticks out at the back of the body of a bird, an animal or a fish, which the animal can move from side to side or up and down

In simple words: The back part of an animal's body, often furry or long.

Examples

  • The dog wagged its tail happily when it saw its owner.
  • She decided to wear a dress with a long tail for the formal event.
  • We followed the trail of the animal by looking at the marks it left, its tail brushing against the grass.
  • In the story, the fox has a beautiful bushy tail.
  • The comet has a bright tail that is visible in the sky.
  • As the night went on, the shadows danced like a tail behind the campfire.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts. Common when talking about animals, but can be informal in phrases like 'to tail someone', meaning to follow them closely.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'tiny tail' on a mouse — it helps you remember the word.

Collocations

  • long
  • short
  • bushy
  • flick
  • swish
  • thrash
  • swish
  • twitch
  • wag
  • bone
  • feathers
  • fin
  • the tip of its/​his/​her tail
  • section
  • fin
  • light
  • at the tail
  • nose to tail
  • section
  • fin
  • light
  • at the tail
  • nose to tail
  • section
  • fin
  • light
  • at the tail
  • nose to tail

Synonyms

  • appendage
  • dock
  • furl
  • train
  • plume

Antonyms

  • head
  • front

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'tale', which means a story.
  • Using 'tail' as a verb incorrectly with non-animal subjects.
  • Mispronouncing it as 'tale'.