verb
tailgate
TAYL-gayt
verb
1
To drive too closely behind another vehicle, without leaving a safe stopping distance.
"The truck behind us was tailgating so closely we could barely see its headlights."
2
To follow someone through a secured door or gate using their access rather than one's own credentials.
"Security warned staff not to let strangers tailgate them into the building."
3
To hold or attend an outdoor party centered around the back of a parked vehicle, typically before a sporting event.
"Fans tailgated in the stadium parking lot hours before kickoff."
How to Use Tailgate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDriving dangerously close behind another car, sneaking through a locked door behind someone, or throwing a parking-lot cookout before a game.
Common mistake
The security sense (following someone through a locked door) is common in office/IT contexts and is different from the driving sense — context makes it clear which is meant.
Common pairings
tailgate the car in front
tailgate party
tailgate someone into the building
Word Forms
tailgated past tense, tailgates singular
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Security warned staff not to let strangers _____ them into the building.
Etymology
From tail plus gate, originally referring to the hinged panel at the rear of a truck or wagon.