tailgate

¹ American  

[teyl-geyt] / ˈteɪlˌgeɪt /

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 American  

[teyl-geyt] / ˈteɪlˌgeɪt /

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 British  

/ 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

Etymology

Origin of tailgate¹

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

Origin of tailgate¹

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

Example Sentences

I’m thankful for the tailgates, the touchdowns and all the pageantry that comes with it.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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