Meaning & use
dovetail
A wedge-shaped joint formed by interlocking pieces, used especially to join two pieces of wood securely.
See it in a sentence
The carpenter cut each dovetail by hand so the drawer would hold together without nails.
Antique furniture makers often used dovetails to strengthen the corners of a drawer.
A note on using this word
Dovetail is also used as a verb meaning to fit or fall together neatly, as when two plans dovetail perfectly.
Words with a similar meaning
This term is best learned through its definition and examples.
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. verb
To fit or combine closely and neatly together.
Her research interests dovetailed nicely with the lab's ongoing project.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “dovetail”, then compare your use with the examples above.