Definitions
1.NounOne who divulges private information with intent to hurt others.
2.NounAn indicator, such as a warning light, that serves to warn of a hazard or problem.
3.NounSomething that serves to reveal something else."The telltale was the lipstick on his shirt collar."
4.NounA movable piece of ivory, lead, or other material, connected to the bellows of an organ, whose position indicates when the wind is exhausted.
5.NounA 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.
6.NounA mechanical attachment to the steering wheel, which, in the absence of a tiller, shows the position of the helm.
7.NounA 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.
8.NounA 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.
9.NounA bird, the tattler.
10.NounA story or fable that has a moral or message.
11.AdjectiveRevealing 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."