telltale

telltale Definition

tell·tale (tel′tāl′)

noun

a person who tells secrets or informs; talebearer; tattler
an outward indication of something secret
any of various devices for indicating or recording information; indicator; specif.,
1. ☆ a row of dangling ropes, etc. hung over a railroad track to warn trainmen, riding on top of a car, of an approaching low bridge, tunnel, etc.
2. a device indicating the position of a ship's rudder
3. a time clock
4. a gauge on a pipe organ showing the air pressure

adjective

revealing or indicating that which is hidden or meant to be secret the telltale smell of alcohol on his breath

telltale Synonyms

modif.

telltale Usage Examples

Converse of object

Modifies a noun

sign: Like all scams the telltale sign to beware of is the fact that the company will ask for money up-front.
symptom: And the pain will usually be accompanied by the two telltale symptoms of a compartment syndrome - numbness and weakness.
mark: What clues can we find from the telltale marks on objects?
flea: The FleaScan is a simple screening test designed to quickly detect the presence of fleas by identifying telltale flea fecal material left behind.
light: Training a pair of binoculars on the light usually reveals the telltale navigation lights on the aircraft.
wake: Oxygen is soluble in water and left no telltale wake.

Browse dictionary entries near telltale