dovetail
2 synonyms for dovetail, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A woodworking joint in which wedge-shaped projections on one piece interlock with matching slots on another.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
swallowtail
fantail
How to use dovetail
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
dovetail joint
cut a dovetail
dovetail nicely with
dovetail together
The woodworking sense is a specific technical term, while the verb is used in everyday, general contexts.
Etymology
The noun comes from combining 'dove' with 'tail', describing a joint whose interlocking parts resemble the shape of a dove's tail. The verb was later formed from this noun.
Full origin of dovetail →Frequently asked questions
What is a dovetail joint used for?
It is a woodworking joint that fastens two pieces together using interlocking wedge-shaped parts, often seen in drawers and cabinets because it resists being pulled apart.
Why is it called a dovetail?
The wedge-shaped tenons cut for the joint look like the spread tail feathers of a dove, which gave the joint its name.
What does it mean when something 'dovetails' with something else?
It means the two things fit together neatly or complement each other well, in the same way an interlocking joint fits together.
