dog's-tail: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareBotanical / Technical / Informal (in extended sense)
Quick answer
What does “dog's-tail” mean?
A common name for several species of grass in the genus Cynosurus, characterized by dense, cylindrical flower heads that resemble a dog's tail.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A common name for several species of grass in the genus Cynosurus, characterized by dense, cylindrical flower heads that resemble a dog's tail.
May be used informally to describe something that is considered inferior, common, or of little value, akin to the grass being widespread and not cultivated.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is known in both varieties but is more likely to be encountered in British botanical or gardening contexts due to the presence of native species (e.g., Crested Dog's-tail). In American English, it is a highly specialist term.
Connotations
Neutral in botanical use. The informal, derogatory extension is archaic and almost obsolete.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Higher relative frequency in UK nature guides or historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “dog's-tail” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] dog's-tail grows in...Cynosurus cristatus, commonly known as [the] crested dog's-tail, is...a field full of dog's-tailVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dog's-tail” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The dog's-tail meadow was rich in biodiversity.
American English
- Not typically used adjectivally.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in botanical taxonomy, ecology, and agricultural science papers discussing pasture composition.
Everyday
Virtually unused in everyday conversation. Might be heard among keen gardeners or naturalists.
Technical
Precise identifier for specific grass species in botany, horticulture, and land management.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dog's-tail”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dog's-tail”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dog's-tail”
- Writing it as 'dog tail' or 'dogstail' without the hyphen and apostrophe. Confusing it with 'dogtooth' (e.g., dogtooth violet).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are different. 'Dog's-tail' refers to grasses in the genus Cynosurus, while 'foxtail' typically refers to grasses in the genera Alopecurus or Setaria, which have a different, more brush-like appearance.
It would be very obscure and likely misunderstood. The archaic, derogatory sense meaning 'something common or worthless' is virtually extinct in modern English.
The plural is 'dog's-tails', as in 'several species of dog's-tails'. The apostrophe is retained.
For general learners, it is a very low-priority, specialist word. It is only necessary for those studying botany, ecology, or advanced natural history in English-speaking environments.
A common name for several species of grass in the genus Cynosurus, characterized by dense, cylindrical flower heads that resemble a dog's tail.
Dog's-tail is usually botanical / technical / informal (in extended sense) in register.
Dog's-tail: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒɡz teɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɔːɡz teɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable for this botanical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a dog happily wagging its tail. Now imagine a stalk of grass with a furry, cylindrical flower head that looks just like that wagging tail – that's a dog's-tail grass.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLANT IS AN ANIMAL (its form resembles a body part).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'dog's-tail' most appropriately used?