Meaning & use
nose and tail
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrasetechnicalsport
The front end and back end of a board used in surfing or skateboarding.
Grammar: Used as a pair; you can say 'the nose', 'the tail', or 'the nose and tail together'.
Patterns
- the nose and tail of a board
- grab the nose and tail
He grabbed the nose and tail of the board as he jumped.
The nose and tail are shaped differently on this surfboard.
phrasefixed phrasetechnical
The front and rear sections of an aircraft, rocket, or similar vehicle.
Grammar: Often used when talking about design, balance, or damage to both ends.
Patterns
- the nose and tail of the aircraft
- damage to the nose and tail
Engineers inspected the nose and tail of the rocket before launch.
The plane's nose and tail were both repainted.
Common combinations
- nose and tail of a surfboard
- The nose and tail of a surfboard have different curves.
- grab the nose and tail
- She grabbed the nose and tail to steady herself.
- nose and tail damage
- The report noted nose and tail damage to the aircraft.
Synonyms and how they differ
- front and back
- A general everyday phrase; use it instead of 'nose and tail' when not talking about boards or vehicles.
Word family
Commonly confused: nose and tail or head and tail?
nose and tail vs head and tail
Used for coins and for animals, not usually for boards or aircraft.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'nose and tail' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Nose and tail' refers to the front and back of a board or vehicle, so a surfboard fits. A bicycle, guitar, or laptop is not described this way.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “nose and tail”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.