What does "dovetail" mean?
The tail of a dove (family Columbidae); also, something having the shape of a dove's tail.
Dovetail
/ˈdʌvteɪl/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The tail of a dove (family Columbidae); also, something having the shape of a dove's tail.
- Grammar: dovetail is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: accord, agree, align, ankle.
- Useful contrasts: conflict, detach, disassemble.
- Usage evidence: It's not always that our postures dovetail exactly. And yet, the overlapping and mutual interests abound.
How to use "dovetail"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "dovetail" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "dovetail" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "dovetail" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "dovetail" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "accord" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "dovetail", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The tail of a dove (family Columbidae); also, something having the shape of a dove's tail.
"Beſides this, another fine Starfiſh came to my Hands, […] Its body hath ten corners, and it hath a Star above vvith as many Rays; each of theſe one may compare unto a Sail of the VVindmills that the Children run againſt the VVind vvithal, or to a piece of ſuch Croſſes that are broad before, and narrovv vvhere they meet together; that is to ſay, of the ſhape of a Dove-tail: […]"
- 2 a mortise joint formed by interlocking tenons and mortises wordnet
- 3 In full dovetail joint: a type of joint where adjoining components are fastened by multiple tenons cut into wedge shapes resembling a dove's tail, which interlock with mortises having corresponding shapes. attributive, often
"[T]heſe muſt be joined at Bottom to the Piles by a ſtrong Dove-tail, and the Piles joined vvith Braces; […]"
- 4 A tenon cut into a wedge shape resembling a dove's tail so that it interlocks with a mortise having a corresponding shape in a dovetail joint. attributive, often
- 5 A line resembling a dovetail joint (sense 2.1).
"I ſhall add other tvvo Forms of Lines, […] The firſt of theſe tvvo is termed Patee, or Dove-Tail, from a Form of Art uſed by Joiners, vvho make Joints one into the other by that Name: […]"
Verb
- 1 To unite (components) with a dovetail (noun sense 2.1) or similar joint. transitive
"[T]heſe Piles ought to be placed contrary to the Stillings, vvhich ſurround or croſs them every three Feet, and Dove-tail'd into the ſquare Supporters; […]"
- 2 fit together tightly, as if by means of a dovetail wordnet
- 3 To combine or fit (things) together well. figuratively, transitive
"The executive board dovetailed its decision neatly with the prior projects the company had taken up."
- 4 To interweave (a number of algorithms or subprograms) so that they can be run more or less simultaneously. figuratively, transitive
"However, we can construct a single master algorithm M that DPExact learns from unknown distribution D by simply dovetailing the algorithms A. The precise way in which we dovetail the algorithms depends on whether our goal is time or query efficiency."
- 5 To seamlessly move a melody from one instrument to another. figuratively, transitive
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 Of several things: to combine or fit together well. figuratively, intransitive
"The parts of your essay should dovetail so that it is cohesive and coherent."
- 7 To adapt to something; to fit in. intransitive
"If I have a row with any fellow, he’s always the first to taunt me with being what he and his friends have made me. I don’t feel it so much now. I used to at first. One dovetails into all that sort of thing in time, and the edge of your feelings, as I may say, wears off by degrees."
Antonyms
Example
"It's not always that our postures dovetail exactly. And yet, the overlapping and mutual interests abound."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "dovetail"?
Common synonyms include: accord, agree, align, ankle, answer, answer to.
How do you use "dovetail" in a sentence?
It's not always that our postures dovetail exactly. And yet, the overlapping and mutual interests abound.
How do you pronounce "dovetail"?
Pronounced /ˈdʌvteɪl/.
Etymology
The noun is derived from dove + tail. The verb is derived from the noun.