tailgate1

[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.
2.
to follow or drive hazardously close to the rear of another vehicle.
verb (used with object), tailgated, tailgating.
3.
to follow or drive hazardously close to the rear of (another vehicle).
adjective
4.
pertaining to or set up on a tailgate:
a tailgate picnic before the football game.
Origin
1850-55, Americanism; tail1 + gate

tailgate2

[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.
Origin
1945-50; so called from the usual seat of trombonists in trucks carrying musicians during a parade
Examples from the web for tailgate
  • Try telling that to the crowd at the next football tailgate.
  • We think they are a safe bet to sweeten your tailgate.
  • Instead of the usual morning links, we're starting the day off with a tailgate party.
  • Freeze overnight and thaw the morning of tailgate party.
  • The tailgate is retained by a conventional cable on the left and a patented, hidden retainer on the right.
  • The tailgate handle is on the right side even though the gate opens straight up.
  • If allowed, bring your own refreshments, or pack a tailgate lunch for the parking lot.
  • Park or stand any vehicle in more than one parking space or, where applicable, in more than one tailgate parking space.
  • Employees are kept informed of all safety requirements through periodic instruction and tailgate safety meetings.
  • Never permit anyone to sit on the sides of a truck bed or on an open tailgate.
British Dictionary definitions for tailgate

tailgate

/ˈteɪlˌɡeɪt/
noun
1.
another name for tailboard
2.
a door at the rear of a hatchback vehicle
verb
3.
to drive very close behind (a vehicle)
Derived Forms
tailgater, noun
Word Origin and History for tailgate
n.

1868, back panel on a wagon, hinged to swing down and open, from tail (n.) + gate (n.). Extended by 1950 to hatchback door on an automobile. The verb meaning "to drive too close behind another vehicle" is from 1951; tailgate party "party or picnic at the open tail-gate of a parked car" is attested from 1961.

Slang definitions & phrases for tailgate

tailgate

verb
  1. To follow another car, truck, etc, dangerously closely; hightail: drove her car behind him, tailgating him between red walls of dead brick
  2. To watch girls go by (College students)
  3. To join what one says closely to what has just been said; dovetail (Army)