swallow-tailed

[ swol-oh-teyld ]

adjective

1. having a deeply forked tail like that of a swallow, as various birds.
2. having an end or part suggesting a swallow's tail.
3. (of a flag) having a triangular indentation in the fly so as to create two tails.

swallow-tailed

adjective

1. (of a bird) having a deeply forked tail
2. having a part resembling a swallow's tail

Word History and Origins

Origin of swallow-tailed¹

First recorded in 1690–1700

Example Sentences

At 575 W. 155th St., my jaw dropped when I saw the gigantic mural of a swallow-tailed kite by artist Lunar New Year covering the side of a five-story apartment building.

From Washington Post

The white ibis, swallow-tailed kite and wood stork also get mentioned.

From Seattle Times

But the outing wasn’t a losswe enjoyed the company of great blue herons, great egrets and swallow-tailed kites circling overhead.

From New York Times

“When you hear 70 or so people behind you exploding about a swallow-tailed kite coming overhead, those are the special moments,” Payne said.

From Washington Times

One pair was sunset orange, swallow-tailed, and scalloped in black.

From Literature