tale

US /teɪl/

UK /teɪl/

1.

a story, especially one that is imaginative or traditional

:

•

She told a fascinating tale of her travels.

•

The old man often shared folk tales with the children.

:

story narrative account report legend

2.

a false or malicious story

:

•

Don't believe that old tale; it's completely untrue.

•

The rumor turned out to be a mere tale.

:

fabrication lie falsehood rumor gossip

:

fairy tale tall tale folk tale spin a tale live to tell the tale