swallow-tailed
Americanadjective
-
having a deeply forked tail like that of a swallow, as various birds.
-
having an end or part suggesting a swallow's tail.
-
(of a flag) having a triangular indentation in the fly so as to create two tails.
adjective
-
(of a bird) having a deeply forked tail
-
having a part resembling a swallow's tail
Etymology
Origin of swallow-tailed
First recorded in 1690–1700
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.
“For that, we added lots of swallow-tailed ribbons for an extra pop of color … underneath all the tinsel which is Zooey’s absolute favorite!” he added.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 30, 2025
If you’re lucky, you might catch a rare sighting of a swallow-tailed kite, zone-tailed hawk or gyrfalcon.
From Washington Post • Sep. 15, 2022
The white ibis, swallow-tailed kite and wood stork also get mentioned.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 5, 2021
The painting of a swallow-tailed kite, completed in early October in Upper Manhattan, includes 12 other species embedded in its plumage.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 22, 2015
He wore a swallow-tailed coat and a puffed-up tie.
From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
