hightail
Hightail (verb) means to move away quickly, especially to flee or retreat in a hurry. Example: “When the police arrived, the thief hightailed it down the alley.”
How to use hightail
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo rush off, usually because you want to escape something.
Word forms
hightailed past tense, hightails singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
When the police arrived, the thief _____ it down the alley.
Etymology
From high + tail, describing how fleeing animals such as deer raise their tails as they run away.
Rhymes for hightail
See all rhymes for hightail →Frequently asked questions
What does “hightail” mean?
The word “hightail” means to move away quickly, especially to flee or retreat in a hurry. In plain terms, to rush off, usually because you want to escape something.
How do you pronounce “hightail”?
“Hightail” is pronounced HEYE-tayl (/ˈhaɪ.teɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “hightail” in a sentence?
Here is “hightail” used in a sentence: “When the police arrived, the thief hightailed it down the alley.”
What part of speech is “hightail”?
“Hightail” is a verb.