- (n.) A flaring tenon or tongue (shaped like a bird's tail spread), and a mortise or socket, into which it fits tightly, making an interlocking joint between two pieces which resists pulling a part in all directions except one.
- (v.t.) To join by means of dovetails.
- (v.t.) To cut to a dovetail.
- (v.t.) To fit in or connect strongly, skillfully or nicely; to fit ingeniously or complexly.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
| APA | Webster's. (2011). dovetail. Retrieved September 21, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/dovetail/definitions/2000236 |
| Chicago | Webster's. 2011. "dovetail" http://smartdefine.org/dovetail/definitions/2000236 (accessed September 21, 2026). |
| Harvard | Webster's 2011, dovetail, Smart Define, viewed 21 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/dovetail/definitions/2000236>. |
| MLA | Webster's. "dovetail" 27 May 2011. Web. 21 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/dovetail/definitions/2000236> |