tail tail /ˈteɪl/

noun

1. () The posterior part of the body of a vertebrate especially when elongated and extending beyond the trunk or main part of the body  ( tail )
   the posterior part of the body of a vertebrate especially when elongated and extending beyond the trunk or main part of the body
    The shrimp tails were left on for added flavor during grilling
   The shrimp tails were left on for added flavor during grilling
   
   
2. () The time of the last part of something  ( fag end [Informal] , tail end , tail )
   the time of the last part of something
    The fag end of this crisis-ridden century
   the fag end of this crisis-ridden century
    The tail of the storm
   the tail of the storm
   
3. () [Informal, N. American] The fleshy part of the human body that you sit on  ( arse [Canadian, British, Vulgar] , backside , bum [Informal, British] , buns [Informal, N. American] , butt [Informal, N. American] , can [Informal, N. American] , derriere , fanny [Informal, N. American, Vulgar] , fundament , hind end , hindquarters , keister [ N. American, Vulgar] , nates , posterior , prat [Vulgar] , rear [Informal] , rump , stern , tail end , tooshie [Informal] , tush [Informal, N. American] , ass [ N. American, Vulgar] , behind , bottom , buttocks , rear end [Informal] , seat , tail [Informal, N. American] , bahookie [Dialect, Informal, UK] , botty [Informal] , derrière , heinie [Informal, American] , jacksie [British, Vulgar] , jacksy [British, Vulgar] , keester [ N. American, Vulgar] , patootie [Informal, American] , tushy [Informal, N. American] )
   the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
    He deserves a good kick in the butt
   he deserves a good kick in the butt
    Are you going to sit on your fanny and do nothing?
   are you going to sit on your fanny and do nothing?
   
   
4. () Any projection that resembles the tail of an animal  ( tail end , tail )
   any projection that resembles the tail of an animal
    A comet's tail is made up of gas and dust particles that are blown away from the comet by the solar wind
   A comet's tail is made up of gas and dust particles that are blown away from the comet by the solar wind
   
5. The rear part of a ship  ( after part , poop , quarter , stern , tail )
   the rear part of a ship
    The sailor stood at the stern of the boat to steer it
   The sailor stood at the stern of the boat to steer it
   
6. The rear part of an aircraft  ( empennage , tail , tail assembly )
   the rear part of an aircraft
    The tail of the airplane is located at the rear of the aircraft
   The tail of the airplane is located at the rear of the aircraft
   
7. (usually plural) the reverse side of a coin that does not bear the representation of a person's head  ( tail )
   (usually plural) the reverse side of a coin that does not bear the representation of a person's head
   
8. A spy employed to follow someone and report their movements  ( shadow , shadower , tail )
   a spy employed to follow someone and report their movements
   

verb

1. Remove the stalk of fruits or berries  ( tail )
   remove the stalk of fruits or berries
   
2. Remove or shorten the tail of an animal  ( bob , dock , tail )
   remove or shorten the tail of an animal
   
3. Go after with the intent to catch  ( chase after , give chase , tag , chase , dog , go after , tail , track , trail )
   go after with the intent to catch
    The policeman chased the mugger down the alley
   The policeman chased the mugger down the alley
    The dog chased the rabbit
   the dog chased the rabbit