verb

tailgate

TAYL-gayt

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Tailgate (verb) means to drive too closely behind another vehicle, without leaving a safe stopping distance. Example: “The truck behind us was tailgating so closely we could barely see its headlights.”

verb

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."

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."

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 notes

In 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

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Third person singular: tailgates
Past tense: tailgated

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

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.

Rhymes for tailgate

ate date rate mate abate slate plate state create update locate emirate

See all rhymes for tailgate →

Frequently asked questions

What does “tailgate” mean?

The word “tailgate” means to drive too closely behind another vehicle, without leaving a safe stopping distance. In plain terms, driving dangerously close behind another car, sneaking through a locked door behind someone, or throwing a parking-lot cookout before a game.

How do you pronounce “tailgate”?

“Tailgate” is pronounced TAYL-gayt (/ˈteɪlˌɡeɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “tailgate” in a sentence?

Here is “tailgate” used in a sentence: “Security warned staff not to let strangers tailgate them into the building.”

What part of speech is “tailgate”?

“Tailgate” is a verb.

How many meanings does “tailgate” have?

“Tailgate” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to drive too closely behind another vehicle, without leaving a safe stopping distance.