wagtail

American  

[wag-teyl] / ˈwægˌteɪl /

noun

1. any of numerous small, chiefly Old World birds of the family Motacillidae, having a slender body with a long, narrow tail that is habitually wagged up and down.

2. any of several similar birds, as the water thrushes of the genus Seiurus.

---

wagtail British  

/ ˈwæɡˌteɪl /

noun

1. any of various passerine songbirds of the genera Motacilla and Dendronanthus, of Eurasia and Africa, having a very long tail that wags when the bird walks: family Motacillidae

---

Etymology

Origin of wagtail

First recorded in 1500–10; wag + tail ¹

Example Sentences

“Why, how do you do, Uncle Wiggily?” asked Mrs. Wagtail, as she opened the door for the rabbit gentleman.

From Uncle Wiggily and Old Mother Hubbard Adventures of the Rabbit Gentleman with the Mother Goose Characters by Garis, Howard Roger

It was now bright day, and Wagtail, Bangs, and Gelid, were all three on deck, washing themselves.

From Hair Breadth Escapes Perilous incidents in the lives of sailors and travelers in Japan, Cuba, East Indies, etc., etc. by Arthur, T. S. (Timothy Shay)

The Wagtails, of which family the Pied Wagtail is the most familiar, derives its name from its habit of wagging its tail.

From Natural History in Anecdote Illustrating the nature, habits, manners and customs of animals, birds, fishes, reptiles, etc., etc., etc. by Various

I know a way!” said Billie Wagtail, the goat boy.

From Uncle Wiggily and Old Mother Hubbard Adventures of the Rabbit Gentleman with the Mother Goose Characters by Garis, Howard Roger

Not far from it, near the stern of the vessel, sat Wagtail, preparing our supper with the help of the cook.

From Hair Breadth Escapes Perilous incidents in the lives of sailors and travelers in Japan, Cuba, East Indies, etc., etc. by Arthur, T. S. (Timothy Shay)