Tale

/ˈteːl/ · noun

Meaning

A rehearsal of what has occurred; narrative; discourse; statement; history; story..

Definitions by Sense

1. A rehearsal of what has occurred; narrative; discourse; statement; history; story.
2. A number told or counted off; a reckoning by count; an enumeration.
3. (slang) The fraudulent opportunity presented by a confidence man to the mark or victim.
4. An account of an asserted fact or circumstance; a rumour; a report, especially an idle or malicious story; a piece of gossip or slander; a lie.
5. (obsolete) Number; tally; quota.
6. (obsolete) Account; estimation; regard; heed.
7. (obsolete) Speech; language.
8. (obsolete) A speech; a statement; talk; conversation; discourse.

Example Sentences

the Canterbury Tales

And every shepherd tells his tale Under the hawthorn in the dale.

But can you guess what there was in the box? Why, it was a calf's tail, and if the calf's tail had been longer this tale would have been longer too.

Barla Von: What's this? One of the Earth-clan? Ah, a very famous one, yes? You are the one called Shepard. Barla Von: The tale of how you survived the great tragedy on Akuze is truly remarkable. I am amazed each time I hear it.

the ignorant, […] who measure by tale, and not by weight

In packing, they keep a just tale of the number that every hogshead containeth ...

They proceeded with some rigour, these Custodiars; took written inventories, clapt-on seals, exacted everywhere strict tale and measure

Don't tell tales!

Synonyms for tale

Antonyms for tale

Related Words

Word Forms

• tales
• taling
• taled

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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