Tail/teɪl/ Definition 1 of 6Pro Tip 1/3Animal Emotion The tail often indicates an animal's emotional state or behavior. A cat's tail might puff up when it's scared. Pro Tip 2/3Not Just Length 'Tail' refers to the entire hind part, not just a long piece sticking out. A rabbit has a short, fluffy tail. Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use Sometimes 'tail' is used metaphorically in idioms and phrases. He was 'tail between his legs' embarrassed.