tale

noun

ˈtāl How to pronounce tale (audio)
Synonyms of talenext
1
a
: a usually imaginative narrative of an event : story
b
: an intentionally untrue report : falsehood
always preferred the tale to the truth— Sir Winston Churchill
2
a
: a series of events or facts told or presented : account
b(1)
: a report of a private or confidential matter
dead men tell no tales
(2)
: a libelous report or piece of gossip
3
a
: count, tally
b
: total
4
obsolete : discourse, talk

Synonyms

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Examples of tale in a Sentence

The movie is a stirring tale of courage. We listened to his familiar tale of woe as he talked again about the failure of his marriage. He told us thrilling tales about his adventures as a pilot in the war. Are you telling tales again? Or is that the truth?
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Stanley tries to dig up the truth in this inventive and darkly humorous tale of crime and punishment—and redemption. — Ashlee Conour, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025 Known as the mystical force behind the throne, Scorpios holds a lot of authority and influence, similar to the way the Magic Mirror does in this tale. — Lisa Stardust, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025 But since Disney’s golden properties don’t have expiration dates — remember, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs came out 88 years ago — don’t be surprised if the studio gives the classic princess tale another shot a few decades from now. — Tim Lammers, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 The five performers take on an endless stream of characters, but each is assigned a principle character that solidly ground the tale. — Frank Rizzo, Variety, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tale

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English talu; akin to Old Norse tala talk

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Time Traveler
The first known use of tale was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing tale

Rhymes for tale

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Browse Nearby Words

tale
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Cite this Entry

“Tale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tale. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

tale

noun
ˈtā(ə)l How to pronounce tale (audio)
1
: something told
a tale of woe
2
: a story about an imaginary event
a fairy tale
3
: a false story : lie
4
: a piece of harmful gossip
spread tales about us

More from Merriam-Webster on tale

Nglish: Translation of tale for Spanish Speakers

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