dovetail

[duhv-teyl]

See more synonyms for dovetail on Thesaurus.com

noun Carpentry.

a tenon broader at its end than at its base; pin.
a joint formed of one or more such tenons fitting tightly within corresponding mortises.

verb (used with or without object)

Carpentry. to join or fit together by means of a dovetail or dovetails.
to join or fit together compactly or harmoniously.

Origin of dovetail

First recorded in 1555–65; so named from its shape

Related formsdove·tail·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for dovetailing

harmonize, conform, coincide, jibe, correspond, accord, square, join, tally, unite, interlock, go, agree, match, mortise, sync, tenon

Examples from the Web for dovetailing

Contemporary Examples of dovetailing

That's the purpose behind the campaign, dovetailing with many other efforts to achieve the same effect.
A Hollow Call For "Justice"
Hussein Ibish
September 17, 2012

Historical Examples of dovetailing

The application of this bearer in its position will be shown in the chapter on Dovetailing.
Woodwork Joints
William Fairham
For sawing the joint reference may be made to the chapter on Dovetailing.
Woodwork Joints
William Fairham
As to the manner of the dovetailing, it will be readily recalled to recollection.
Charles Dickens as a Reader
Charles Kent
This is a species of dovetailing the life and opinions of Junius into those of Mr. Paine.
Junius Unmasked
Joel Moody
The dovetailing of play and music is at best a perilous proceeding.
Ivory Apes and Peacocks
James Huneker

British Dictionary definitions for dovetailing

dovetail

noun

a wedge-shaped tenon
Also called: dovetail joint a joint containing such tenons

verb

(tr) to join by means of dovetails
to fit or cause to fit together closely or neatlyhe dovetailed his arguments to the desired conclusion

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for dovetailing

dovetail

late 16c. (n.), 1650s (v.), from dove (n.) + tail. So called from resemblance of shape in the tenon or mortise of the joints to that of the bird’s tailfeather display. Related: Dovetailed.