A tale is a story, especially one that might be imaginary or hard to believe. When your grandfather tells tales of his childhood adventures, he's sharing stories from long ago. When someone spins a tall tale about catching a fish as big as a car, they're exaggerating wildly for entertainment.

Tales can be fiction or based on real events. Fairy tales like Cinderella transport us to magical worlds with impossible happenings. Folk tales passed down through generations teach lessons about courage, wisdom, or cleverness. The phrase old wives' tale describes a superstitious belief that sounds like wisdom but isn't actually true, like the idea that going outside with wet hair causes colds.

The word often carries a hint of the fantastic or unlikely. If you come home with a tale about why your homework isn't finished, your parents might wonder whether you're telling the whole truth. When someone promises to tell “no tales” or says “don't tell tales,” they mean don't spread gossip or tattle on others.

Unlike a simple report of facts, a tale usually entertains while it informs. The best tales capture the imagination and stick in your memory long after you've heard them.