tails

[teylz]

adjective

1. (of a coin) with the reverse facing up.

   On the next toss, the coin came up tails.

noun

1. tailcoat.

tails

/ teɪlz /

plural noun

1. an informal name for tail coat

interjection

1. with the reverse side of a coin uppermost: used as a call before tossing a coin Compare heads

Word History and Origins

Origin of tails¹

First recorded in 1675–85; tail ¹ + -s ¹

Example Sentences

Holding it down causes waterspouts to spin up all around you, dancing on their tails, merging and splitting—the immersiveness comes courtesy of a speaker in the driver’s headrest.

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England stuck to their blueprint and were chasing their tails for the remainder of a 4-0 series defeat.

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Domestication syndrome - anatomical and morphological changes such as curly tails, floppy ears, depigmentation, smaller brains and reduced facial skeletons - are commonly cited as some of the most salient traits, the study says.

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Their recognizable silhouettes, complete with coiled tails, even appear in ancient Egyptian rock carvings.

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She shrieked in outrage, an earsplitting noise that made the horses’ ears pin back and their tails lash.

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Related Words

• cloak 
• frock 
• jacket 
• overcoat 
• raincoat 
• suit 
• tuxedo 
• windbreaker 
• wrap