tandem

[ tan-duhm ]

adverb

1. one following or behind the other:

   to drive horses tandem.

adjective

1. having animals, seats, parts, etc., arranged tandem or one behind another.

noun

1. a vehicle, as a truck, tractor, or trailer, in which a pair or pairs of axles are arranged in tandem.
2. tandem bicycle.
3. tandem trailer ( def 1 ).
4. a team of horses harnessed one behind the other.
5. a two-wheeled carriage with a high driver's seat, drawn by two or more horses so harnessed.
6. any of various mechanisms having a tandem arrangement.

tandem

/ ˈtændəm /

noun

1. a bicycle with two sets of pedals and two saddles, arranged one behind the other for two riders
2. a two-wheeled carriage drawn by two horses harnessed one behind the other
3. a team of two horses so harnessed
4. any arrangement of two things in which one is placed behind the other
5. in tandem
   in tandem together or in conjunction

adjective

1. used as, used in, or routed through an intermediate automatic telephone exchange

   a tandem exchange

adverb

1. one behind the other

   to ride tandem

Word History and Origins

Origin of tandem¹

First recorded in 1735–45; special use (originally facetious) of Latin tandem “at length, finally,” equivalent to tam “so far” + -dem, demonstrative suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of tandem¹

C18: whimsical use of Latin tandem at length, to indicate a vehicle of elongated appearance

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. in tandem,
   1. in single file:

      They swam in tandem.

   2. in association or partnership.

Example Sentences

It’s a little surprising that these states haven’t necessarily moved more in tandem as the results in states with similar demographics are often correlated.

From FiveThirtyEight

It’s definitely not the way to go for whitewater, and even on flatwater it requires a slightly larger boat than the usual tandem craft.

From Outside Online

PlanScore, a nonpartisan group of legal, political and mapping experts, has shown how the various symmetry tests can be used in tandem to flag possible gerrymandering.

From Science News

These tandem layering approaches could quickly create a boost in efficiency of solar panels beyond 30 percent, which would reduce both the panel and system costs while also reducing their energy footprint.

From Singularity Hub 

If work conditions call for using two monitors in tandem, this dual-mount monitor stand from AmazonBasics stands out for its robust yet minimal design.

From Popular-Science

But in some circumstances, the two vital elements can work in tandem—as a project recently unveiled in Anguilla reveals.

From The Daily Beast

We bought candy necklaces, went to the aquarium, rode tandem bikes, and I was very conscious of, ‘We’re all friends here.

From The Daily Beast

In a veritable Mapplethorpe renaissance, two exhibitions have launched in tandem dedicated to his work.

From The Daily Beast

The proposed legislation arrives in tandem with another law that would effectively criminalize graffiti.

From The Daily Beast

They rarely campaigned in tandem, and Biden was not on the nightly campaign conference calls.

From The Daily Beast

The tandem rider on the forward seat did the steering and the foot pedaling, and the rear rider operated the motor.

From Project Gutenberg

It appeared at the Madison Square Garden in two forms, as a single motorcycle and as a motor tandem.

From Project Gutenberg

Along in the late nineties a keen interest in bicycle racing led to the introduction of what is known as the motor-paced tandem.

From Project Gutenberg

I wouldn't have troubled you to send for me, only the tandem's hors de combat.

From Project Gutenberg

"Because I intend to back the tandem into it, and break my neck," was the unexpected answer.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• club
• company
• lineup
• organization
• party
• side
• squad
• unit