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rattail

American  
[rat-teyl] / ˈrætˌteɪl /
Or rat-tail

noun

    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.

  1. grenadier.


Etymology

Origin of rattail

First recorded in 1695–1705

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

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

I think that's Jorge, which makes me almost forgive him for having a rattail.

From "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" by Erika L. Sánchez

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