rattail

American  

[rat-teyl] / ˈrætˌteɪl /

Or rat-tail

noun

1. 1. a hairstyle in which a distinct thin section of hair grows from the base of the skull in the back, often extending several inches or more down the neck.

   2. such a thin section of hair growing from the base of the skull.

2. grenadier.

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Etymology

Origin of rattail

First recorded in 1695–1705

Example Sentences

Quaritch, who now resembles a Na’vi himself with a flat top over his whipping rattail, still remains the series’ most entertaining character by far.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2025

"The girl had a rattail and I really wanted one of those," she told the Guinness World of Records.

From BBC • Sep. 1, 2023

As they fatten up on the lush grass, the cows are helping Noyes control rattail fescue, an invasive species that chokes out native prairie plants.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 18, 2023

But no amount of gauche rattail wigs and zipped-up wind-breakers can make this show the artistic risk or the expression of vulnerability that Tesfaye seems to think it is.

From New York Times • Jun. 30, 2023

The teeth were rusty and dull and he sat in front of the fire with a rattail file and tried to sharpen them but to little purpose.

From "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy