tails

[ teylz ]

adjective

1. (of a coin) with the reverse facing up: Compare heads ( def ).

   On the next toss, the coin came up tails.

noun

1. tailcoat ( def ).

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

According to Cornell University's All about Birds website, the male breeding birds have a bright red body and black wings and tails, while females and juvenile birds have a yellowish-green body.

From BBC

A black and white photo in her memoir shows him sitting, legs crossed, in their first-grade classroom near a tiny Harris wearing pig tails.

From Los Angeles Times

Forget the fish tails, we mean women capable of holding their breath for minutes on end as they dive under the sea several hundred times a day.

From BBC

"This image swirls with light, energy and a feeling of synchronised movement between the lilies and the tadpole tails," said Kathy Moran, Jury Chair and Editor.

From BBC

The 50p is the nation’s most collectible coin and has seen more than 100 different designs appear on its "tails" side.

From BBC

Related Words

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