telltale /ˈtɛlteɪl/noun 10adjective 1forms 3 noun10 •One who divulges private information with intent to hurt others.Your husband is at hand; I heare his Trumpet, / We are not tell-tales, Madam; feare you not. — 1596 •(figurative) Something that serves to reveal something else.The telltale was the lipstick on his shirt collar. •An indicator, such as a warning light, that serves to warn of a hazard or problem.A float telltale to be provided which shall connect with indicator on first floor by a small chain run through 1-2 inch pipe and over pulleys well guarded against the weather. — 1901 •A movable piece of ivory, lead, or other material, connected to the bellows of an organ, whose position indicates when the wind is exhausted. •A length of yarn or ribbon attached to a sail or shroud etc to indicate the direction of the flow of the air relative to the boat.The sailmakers mistake can be an excellent way to lose a race as the telltale signals were disturbed and confusing. — 1997 •A mechanical attachment to the steering wheel, which, in the absence of a tiller, shows the position of the helm. •A compass in the cabin of a vessel, usually placed where the captain can see it at all hours, and thus inform himself of the vessel's course. •A machine or contrivance for indicating or recording something, particularly for keeping a check upon employees (factory hands, watchmen, drivers, etc.) by revealing to their employers what they have done or omitted. •A bird, the tattler. •A story or fable that has a moral or message."Metamorphoses . . ." is the title of a book of telltales (or serialised fables) written by Lucius Apulei¡us, a neo-platonist priest in the second century A.D. — 2012 adjective1 •Revealing something, especially something not intended to be known.I noticed the snow was dirty, a telltale sign of recent human presence.A telltale blush crept into her cheeks as he approached. formstelltales · more telltale · most telltale