The meaning of TELL is to relate in detail : narrate. How to use tell in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Tell. We use tell with an indirect object and a to-infinitive to report a command or an instruction. Define tell. tell synonyms, tell pronunciation, tell translation, English dictionary definition of tell. v. told , tell·ing , tells v. tr. 1. a. To communicate by speech or writing; express with words: She told him that the store was closed. Tell me the truth . to give an account or report: Tell me about your trip. to give evidence or be an indication: The ruined temples told of an ancient culture, long since passed from existence. Discover everything about the word "TELL" in English: meanings, translations, synonyms, pronunciations, examples, and grammar insights - all in one comprehensive guide. Dec 7, 2025 · Can you tell whether those flowers are real or silk, from this distance? No, there's no way to tell. I can tell you're upset. An expert can tell an original from a forgery. tell, n.¹ meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary Definition of tell verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. TELL definition: to give an account or narrative of; narrate; relate (a story, tale, etc.). See examples of tell used in a sentence. The resultant compositions sang so naturally that I doubt if any listener, lacking the mentions in this note, could tell which came first—the words or the music.