noun

dovetail

DUHV-tayl

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Dovetail (noun) means a woodworking joint in which wedge-shaped projections on one piece interlock with matching slots on another. Example: “The carpenter cut a row of dovetails to join the drawer sides.”

noun

A woodworking joint in which wedge-shaped projections on one piece interlock with matching slots on another.

"The carpenter cut a row of dovetails to join the drawer sides."

"You can spot handmade furniture by the neat dovetails at the corners."

"A dovetail joint holds without needing any glue or nails."

verb

To fit or combine two or more things together well.

"Her research dovetails with earlier work on the same subject."

"The two plans dovetail nicely, so we can run them side by side."

"His schedule dovetails with mine, which makes meeting up easy."

How to use dovetail

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA dovetail is either the wedge-shaped joint carpenters use, or, as a verb, the way two things fit neatly together.

When to use it

The woodworking sense is a specific technical term, while the verb is used in everyday, general contexts.

Memory tip

If you're not talking about furniture or joinery, 'dovetail' is almost always the verb meaning things fit together well.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

dovetail joint cut a dovetail dovetail nicely with dovetail together

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The carpenter cut a row of _____ to join the drawer sides.

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.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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swallowtail fantail

Rhymes for dovetail

rail tail pail mail nail sail fail hail jail vail bail wail

See all rhymes for 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.

What is the meaning of dovetail?

"dovetail" (noun) means a woodworking joint in which wedge-shaped projections on one piece interlock with matching slots on another.