oxtail

noun

ox·​tail ˈäks-ˌtāl How to pronounce oxtail (audio)
: the tail of a beef animal
especially : the skinned tail used for food (as in soup)

Examples of oxtail in a Sentence

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.
His French onion soup is chock full of roasted oxtail meat. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026 Add the oxtails in batches and sear for a few minutes on all sides until nicely browned. — Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 22 May 2026 One truck is often the site of a long line of visitors eager to try Royd’s weekend special, oxtail. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 19 June 2026 Braises and Stews Rich, braised oxtail and lamb stew are natural candidates. — Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for oxtail

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oxtail was in the 15th century

Rhymes for oxtail

See All Rhymes for oxtail

Browse Nearby Words

oxskin
oxtail
oxteam
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oxtail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxtail. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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