tails
/teɪlz/
NOUN
1. The rear appendages of animals
The elongated parts extending from the rear of the bodies of animals, often used for balance, communication, movement, or protection.
1.1. Animal tail appendages
Refers to the body parts extending from the hindquarters of animals, particularly mammals, reptiles, and fish.
Synonyms
- caudal appendages
- tails
Examples
- The dogs wagged their tails when their owners returned.
- Some lizards can shed their tails to escape predators.
- The monkeys used their tails to maintain balance.
Related Words
- hindquarters
- rear appendages
- tail feathers
- caudal fin
1.2. The rear feathers of birds
Refers specifically to the feathers growing from the rear of a bird, which may assist with steering, balance, and display.
Synonyms
- tail feathers
- rectrices
Examples
- The peacocks spread their colorful tails during courtship.
- The birds displayed their long tails while flying.
Related Words
- plumage
- flight feathers
- feathers
- pygostyle
NOUN
2. The rear or last part of something
The backmost, final, or lower portion of an object, structure, sequence, or moving formation.
2.1. Rear section of an object or vehicle
Refers to the back portion of an object, vehicle, aircraft, or vessel, opposite its front or leading section.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- front
- forepart
- head
Examples
- The aircraft's tails were inspected before departure.
- The kayaks had distinctive designs at their tails.
- The boat's tails swung toward the shore.
Related Words
- rear section
- empennage
- tailfin
- fuselage
- back end
2.2. Final portions of a period, event, or sequence
Refers to the concluding parts of a period of time, an event, or an ordered series of items.
Synonyms
- ends
- final portions
- conclusions
- aftermaths
- last parts
Antonyms
- beginnings
- starts
- openings
Examples
- The tails of the two events overlapped.
- The final tails of the procession disappeared around the corner.
- The researchers examined the tails of the statistical distributions.
Related Words
- closing stages
- last phase
- remainder
- conclusion
- sequence
2.3. The reverse side of a coin
Refers to the side of a coin opposite the head side, traditionally called tails and commonly used in coin tossing.
Synonyms
- reverse sides
- reverses
Antonyms
Examples
- The coins landed with their tails facing upward.
- Three consecutive tails appeared during the coin toss.
Related Words
- coin toss
- obverse
- coin face
- currency
2.4. The buttocks or backside
An informal term referring to the posterior part of the human body on which a person sits.
Synonyms
Examples
- The children sat on their tails after running around the playground.
- The uncomfortable chairs made everyone's tails sore.
Related Words
- seat
- hindquarters
- derriere
- gluteal region
NOUN
3. People who secretly follow or observe someone
People who follow another person discreetly to monitor their movements or activities, often as part of surveillance or an investigation.
3.1. Covert followers and surveillance agents
Refers to individuals who secretly follow someone to observe their behavior, movements, or whereabouts without attracting attention.
Synonyms
- shadows
- trackers
- pursuers
- surveillance agents
- observers
Examples
- The detectives assigned to the case followed the suspects like tails.
- The security team noticed several tails following the executive.
Related Words
- private investigators
- detectives
- undercover agents
- spies
- surveillance
NOUN
4. Formal evening coats with extended back panels
Formal garments, especially men's evening dress coats, characterized by long extensions at the back.
4.1. Tailcoats and formal dress coats
Refers to the extended rear panels of formal coats or to the coats themselves, traditionally worn with white-tie evening attire.
Synonyms
- tailcoats
- dress coats
- evening coats
Examples
- The gentlemen wore black tails for the formal reception.
- The orchestra members appeared in traditional evening tails.
Related Words
- white tie
- formalwear
- evening dress
- morning coat
- full dress
VERB
5. To follow and observe someone secretly
To follow a person discreetly in order to monitor their movements or activities without their knowledge.
5.1. Secretly following someone
Describes covertly following a person or vehicle, usually for surveillance, investigation, or intelligence gathering.
Synonyms
- shadows
- tracks
- follows
- trails
- dogs
- hounds
- pursues
Examples
- The detectives tails the suspect through the crowded streets.
- The private investigators tails the vehicle without being noticed.
Related Words
- surveils
- monitors
- observes
- spies on
- keeps under surveillance
5.2. Following or remaining closely attached
Describes following closely behind someone or something, or remaining attached to it as it moves.
Synonyms
- follows
- trails
- tags along
- shadows
- tracks
Antonyms
- leads
- precedes
Examples
- The smaller boat tails the larger vessel across the harbor.
- A long ribbon tails behind the dancer as she moves.
Related Words
- accompanies
- pursues
- follows behind
- sticks to