How to Pronounce Tail

To pronounce "tail", say TAIL — one syllable, IPA /teɪl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

tail

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/teɪl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “tail”

"tail" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with wail and gale, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: tale — easy to mix up when writing.

What does tail mean?

noun

  1. The caudal appendage of an animal that is attached to its posterior and near the anus.

    “Most primates have a tail and fangs.”

  2. An object or part of an object resembling a tail in shape, such as the thongs on a cat-o'-nine-tails.

verb

  1. To follow and observe surreptitiously.

    “Tail that car!”

  2. To hold by the end; said of a timber when it rests upon a wall or other support; with in or into

Synonyms

asspoonpoontangpunanipussyskintangdescender

Hear “tail” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with tail

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

wailgaleavailfrailassailtravailprevailentailstaleunveilailbale

Related words

posteriorrumptushbunsbumkeisterbuttarse

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "tail"?▾

"Tail" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "tail"?▾

The IPA transcription of "tail" is /teɪl/.

What does "tail" mean?▾

Tail: The caudal appendage of an animal that is attached to its posterior and near the anus.

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