Synonyms for

Tail

Verb / teɪl / Another word for tail — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

the hindmost part of an animal's body

Synonyms & similar words

shadow bum tailend ass track hindquarters arse fagend derriere fundament keister hindend chase bottom trail tooshie afterpart backside rear tailassembly dock dog stern butt head appendage extremity rump stump end flag train brush queue streamer bob dowel peg rod spindle stave stick

Synonyms by register

Formal

appendage extremity posterior

Informal

butt rear end

Literary

hindquarters train

Antonyms

head front leader beginning forefront van

Common collocations

  • tail end
  • tail fin
  • tail wagging
  • tail light
  • tail spin
  • tail feather
  • tail bone

Word family

noun tail
verb tail
adjective tailed

Usage note

As a verb, 'tail' often implies following someone discreetly, like a detective. It can also refer to the trailing part of something, such as a kite's tail.

Example sentences

  1. The cat's tail was fluffy.
  2. The duck's tail feathers were iridescent.
  3. The horse swished its tail to keep the flies away.
  4. The lizard dropped its tail to escape from the predator.
  5. The peacock fanned out its tail feathers.

Quotes

  • 'If you don't like my peaches, don't shake my tree.' - Delta Burke
  • 'If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.' - Henry David Thoreau
  • 'I am not a liberator. Liberators do not exist. The people liberate themselves.' - Che Guevara

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