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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Instead, an enlarged and reshaped ducktail spoiler helps with downforce at the rear. Jack Fitzgerald, Car and Driver, 10 May 2023 One key factor is the aerodynamic improvements, on display with a swoopy ducktail in the back, active air flaps, and a low-to-the-ground nose. Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 3 Apr. 2023 Besides offering epic performance, the Carrera RS 2.7 introduced the brand's ducktail spoiler. Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 1 Apr. 2023 Closer inspection brings hints at aggression with bars of vertical chrome instead of the starry-sky grille up front and a flick of ducktail spoiler at the trailing edge of the sloped rear deck. Elana Scherr, Car and Driver, 14 July 2022 Lego's Ford Mustang model car kit comes with parts to customize your creation, including exhaust pipes, front chin and rear ducktail spoilers, and a nitrous oxide tank. Rachel Klein, Popular Mechanics, 20 Dec. 2022 Your giftee can customize the Mustang, too, with additional parts like a supercharger, rear ducktail spoiler, and exhaust pipes. Talon Homer, Popular Mechanics, 18 Nov. 2022 The engine lid, mirrors, ducktail spoiler and adjustable rear wing are also crafted from carbon. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 1 July 2022 The greenhouse extends much further back than on the original concept, and the roofline tapers down gradually and ends in a ducktail-style rear spoiler. Joey Capparella, Car and Driver, 13 Apr. 2022 See More

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 1 Jun. 2023.

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