CultureJune 14, 2026
oxtail
/ˈɒksteɪl/
Definition
The tail of cattle, used as a culinary ingredient and typically slow-cooked in stews or braises to create rich, tender dishes.
Etymology
The word is a straightforward compound of the Old English 'oxa' (ox) and 'tægl' (tail). It refers to the physical part of the animal and has been used in English to describe both the tail and the resulting food preparation since the Middle Ages.
In the news
In the article, oxtail is highlighted as a staple Caribbean dish served by food vendors at the Juneteenth Heritage Festival to provide a taste of home for local Caribbean residents.
Caribbean food, culture central to Juneteenth Heritage Festival
Read the full article ↗Jefferson City News Tribune