pintail

[ pin-teyl ]

noun

, plural pin·tails, (especially collectively) pin·tail.

1. a long-necked river duck, Anas acuta, of the Old and New Worlds, having long and narrow middle tail tails feathers.
2. sharp-tailed grouse.

pintail

/ ˈpɪnˌteɪl /

noun

1. a greyish-brown duck, Anas acuta, with slender pointed wings and a pointed tail

Word History and Origins

Origin of pintail¹

First recorded in 1760–70; pin + tail ¹

Example Sentences

A Northern pintail duck was also killed by the fox, and three other flamingos were hurt and were treated at the zoo’s veterinary hospital.

From Washington Post

A literal sitting duck was also killed: a Northern pintail duck that was part of the zoo’s collection.

From Washington Post

Northern pintail ducks are common, but their population is declining, The Cornell Lab reported.

From Washington Times

The American flamingo and the Northern pintail duck are species of “least concern,” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.

From Washington Post

The hunting seasons for other ducks, including black ducks and pintails, ended earlier in the winter or fall.

From Washington Times