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

My parents were left with a choice: Move back to Argentina with their tails between their legs, or start again where they were.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Suddenly, the Irish tails were up and replacement prop Michael Milne burrowed over.

From Barron's • Feb. 5, 2026

In 1963 a “Gentleman’s C” was common, but students had to work their tails off to get a B. A’s were rare: only 10% of marks in 1963.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 25, 2025

This matters because comets typically show two main tails, a dust tail that trails behind and a plasma tail that points away from the Sun.

From Science Daily • Dec. 20, 2025

The bell rang at Brookshire Boys Academy, and an ocean of testosteronies crashed into the hallway, green ties swinging like polyester tails coming from their throats.

From "Look Both Ways" by Jason Reynolds

Related Words

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