ducktail

noun

duck·​tail ˈdək-ˌtāl How to pronounce ducktail (audio)
: a hairstyle in which the hair on each side is slicked back to meet in a ridge at the back of the head

Illustration of ducktail

Illustration of ducktail

Examples of ducktail in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Apart from some bodywork accents, a unique ducktail spoiler, and the car’s lack of a tailpipe, the EV reimagining of the 911 looks nearly identical to its six-cylinder counterpart. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2024 The styling pays homage to the iconic 1973 Carrera RS and its ducktail rear spoiler, but also an earlier 2010 Sport Classic that similarly featured wheels reminiscent of the old Fuchs alloys, and Zagato-like roof bubbles, meant to accommodate taller drivers wearing helmets. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 29 Dec. 2023 For ardent Porsche purists, there’s arguably only one 911 in the model’s fabled 51-year history that stands head, shoulders, and ducktail spoiler above all others—the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Homologation, also known as the famed Carrera RSH. Howard Walker, Robb Report, 21 Dec. 2023 Yet what mattered most, perhaps, was going on under the ducktail engine lid. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 13 Nov. 2023 This Gulf Blue, ducktail dream is offered without reserve, but is expected to fetch up to $400,000. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 13 Nov. 2023 In 1971, the company added a front spoiler to the 911 to try to prevent that car from generating lift at speed and followed it with the now-iconic Carrera RS 2.7, which featured an adorable ducktail at the rear. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 16 Oct. 2023 Kamm has resisted the urge to fit glittery LED headlights, distended Turbo arches, or the default RS ducktail. Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 11 July 2023 Corvette fans should appreciate the transitional ducktail design and the four iconic taillights. Sebastian Blanco, Car and Driver, 2 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ducktail.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from its resemblance to the tail of a duck

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ducktail was in 1948

Dictionary Entries Near ducktail

Cite this Entry

“Ducktail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ducktail. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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