tell definition

1. a Swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer; according to legend an Austrian governor compelled him to shoot an apple from his son's head with his crossbow (which he did successfully without mishap)
2. let something be known
• examples: Tell them that you will be late
3. narrate or give a detailed account of
• examples: Tell what happened
• examples: The father told a story to his child
4. discern or comprehend
• examples: He could tell that she was unhappy
5. give evidence
• examples: he was telling on all his former colleague