foxtail

noun

fox·​tail ˈfäks-ˌtāl 

1

a

: the tail of a fox

b

: something resembling the tail of a fox

2

: any of several grasses (especially genera Alopecurus, Hordeum, and Setaria) with spikes resembling brushes

called also foxtail grass

Examples of foxtail in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other foxtail plants were not in the photo but nearby ornamentals appeared to be suffering from excessive water too. —Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 23 Nov. 2024

Lastly, be sure to check your pup for ticks and foxtails before going home. —Lisa Bloch, The Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2024

In the process, bits of the original bacterium’s genome occasionally cling to the plasmid like foxtails on a dog’s coat and find themselves in the new host. —Joann C Gutin, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019

But there are a handful of bolt guns and semi-autos ideal for hunting foxtails and grays. —Brodie Swisher, Outdoor Life, 7 Sep. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing foxtail

• foxtail lily
• foxtail millet

Kids Definition

foxtail

noun

fox·​tail -ˌtāl 

1

: the tail of a fox

2

: any of several grasses with spikes that resemble brushes