tailing

1 of 2

noun

tail·​ing ˈtā-liŋ 

1

: residue separated in the preparation of various products (such as grain or ores)

—usually plural

2

: the part of a projecting stone or brick inserted in a wall

tailing

2 of 2

present participle of tail entry 2

Synonyms of tailing

Noun

• pursuit
• tracking
• trailing
• tracing
• chasing

Examples of tailing in a Sentence

Noun

the reporter's constant tailing of the candidate resulted in an exclusive scoop

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

These include platinum-group metals found in spent automotive catalysts and potentially critical elements present in mine tailings and other complex waste streams. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 14 Aug. 2026

What starts as harmless tailing quickly evolves into something much more dangerous — Bret’s high-speed pursuit isn’t subtle, and Robert turns the tables on him by pulling over and then tapping Bret’s Mercedes 450SL from behind. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026

Unlike other hard metals, tungsten is largely nontoxic, but the byproducts from mining it—called tailings—contain other harmful metals including arsenic, copper, zinc and lead and can leach into the environment. — Ari Sen, Scientific American, 13 June 2026

Initial environmental analytics work will focus on water quality, particulate emissions, geotechnical stability, tailings performance, biodiversity indicators and carbon intensity per metric ton produced. — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 8 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1764, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tailing

• ailing
• bailing
• baling
• failing
• flailing
• grayling
• hailing
• jailing
• mailing
• nailing
• paling
• railing