[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/fantail/)

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# fantail

noun (a fantail, fantails)

«fantail» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. A small bird with a tail that spreads out like a fan; in New Zealand the fantail (pīwakawaka) is a common, friendly bird that follows walkers to catch insects. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/fantail/#m1)
2. A kind of fancy pigeon or goldfish with a fan-shaped tail. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/fantail/#m2)
3. A tail or end shaped like a fan. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/fantail/#m3)

### In the lessons

In nature lessons in New Zealand and Australia, fantails are familiar birds; in Māori stories the pīwakawaka has a special role, linked with the hero Māui. Fantail pigeons and fantail goldfish are bred as pets. Phrases: «a fantail pigeon», «fantail goldfish».

### Examples

- A fantail flitted along the bush track beside us. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/fantail/#x1)
- The fantail spread its tail like a little fan. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/fantail/#x2)
- In New Zealand the fantail is called pīwakawaka. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/fantail/#x3)
- Grandad keeps white fantail pigeons. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/fantail/#x4)
- Our fantail goldfish has a long, flowing tail. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/fantail/#x5)
- The fantail snapped up insects that our feet disturbed. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/fantail/#x6)

### Note

Countable compound: fan + tail. In Australia there are several kinds called fantails or willie wagtails (a close relative). Names of breeds and birds are not always written with capitals.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «fantail» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/fantail/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«fantail» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/fantail.html) on Mova free.