tailgate

¹

[teyl-geyt]

noun

1. the board or gate at the back of a wagon, truck, station wagon, etc., which can be removed or let down for convenience in loading or unloading.

verb (used without object)

tailgated, tailgating 

1. to follow or drive hazardously close to the rear of another vehicle.

verb (used with object)

tailgated, tailgating 

1. to follow or drive hazardously close to the rear of (another vehicle).

adjective

1. pertaining to or set up on a tailgate.

   a tailgate picnic before the football game.

tailgate

²

[teyl-geyt]

noun

Jazz.

1. a style of playing the trombone, especially in Dixieland jazz, distinguished especially by the use of melodic counterpoint and long glissandi.

tailgate

/ ˈteɪlˌɡeɪt /

noun

1. another name for tailboard

2. a door at the rear of a hatchback vehicle

verb

1. to drive very close behind (a vehicle)

Other Word Forms

• tailgater noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tailgate¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55; tail ¹ + gate ¹

Origin of tailgate²

First recorded in 1945–50; so called from the usual seat of trombonists in trucks carrying musicians during a parade

Example Sentences

The nostalgia hit Ross Niederhaus in the grocery store as he stocked up for what might be his last Rose Bowl tailgate.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

One widespread lament is the possible loss of unfettered tailgating on a sprawling golf course and surrounding parking lots.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It was inspired by state fairs, long summer nights and tailgate parties, made popular in the US.

Read more on BBC

The Rose Bowl is the shrine of college football and a great place to tailgate and celebrate the Bruins.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

That hero would be shoved out of office by furious alumni faster than you can say Mercedes tailgate.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• cruise 
• drag 
• fly 
• guide 
• operate 
• propel 
• push 
• ride 
• run 
• send 
• speed 
• spin 
• start 
• steer 
• transport 
• travel 
• turn