tails

American  

[teylz] / teɪlz /

adjective

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

   On the next toss, the coin came up tails.

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noun

1. tailcoat.

tails British  

/ teɪlz /

plural noun

1. an informal name for tail coat

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interjection

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

Etymology

Origin of tails

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

Example Sentences

He covered the Supreme Court decision that a deeply rooted tradition of downing bulls by pulling their tails in popular competitions was against the constitution.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

The international team of researchers were able to piece together the separate odysseys from photos of the whales' tails -- including some taken by amateur photographers on cruises -- captured decades apart.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

Researchers think the animals may have used their long necks and tails to help release heat and regulate body temperature.

From Science Daily • May 15, 2026

Galapagos tortoises are trained to step onto scales, for example, the lions and tigers to present their tails so blood tests and skin samples can be taken.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Mother stands on the rocky bank, above the stream where the pups cower, eyes wide and tails low, covered in mud.

From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz

Related Words

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