Pronunciation: /kweɪl/

Definitions of quail

noun a small, migratory bird with a plump body and a short tail

Example Sentences

A1 I saw a quail in the garden.

A2 The quail quickly ran across the field.

B1 The hunter spotted a quail hiding in the bushes.

B2 Quails are known for their distinctive calls and behaviors.

C1 The quail population in the region has been steadily declining.

C2 Researchers are studying the migratory patterns of quails in great detail.

verb to feel or show fear or apprehension

Example Sentences

A1 The tiny bird quailed at the sight of the large cat.

A2 She quailed at the thought of speaking in front of a large audience.

B1 Despite her fear, she did not quail in the face of danger.

B2 The soldiers did not quail even when outnumbered by the enemy.

C1 Her resolve did not quail even in the most challenging of circumstances.

C2 The leader's unwavering courage inspired his troops not to quail in the face of adversity.

Examples of quail in a Sentence

formal The quail is a small, ground-dwelling bird that is known for its distinctive call.

informal I saw a cute quail running around in the backyard.

slang Let's go hunt some quail this weekend.

figurative Her confidence was as fragile as a quail's egg.

Grammatical Forms of quail

past tense

quailed

plural

quails

comparative

more quail

superlative

most quail

present tense

quail

future tense

will quail

perfect tense

have quailed

continuous tense

quailing

singular

quail

positive degree

quail

infinitive

to quail

gerund

quailing

participle

quailed

Origin and Evolution of quail

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'quail' originated from the Middle English word 'quaille' which was borrowed from Old French 'quaille' and ultimately from Latin 'coacula' meaning 'quail bird'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'quail' has retained its original meaning of a small bird but has also been used metaphorically to describe someone who is easily frightened or intimidated.