1. the hinged gate or door at the back of a truck, station wagon, or SUV that opens downward

1. to drive too closely behind another vehicle
2. to have a party in a parking lot before a sporting event, typically involving food and drinks served from the back of a vehicle
Usage: informal

Examples

• The workers lowered the truck’s tailgate to unload the supplies.
• She opened the tailgate of her SUV to access the camping gear.
• The impatient driver tailgates everyone on the highway.
• Please don’t tailgate me when I’m driving the speed limit.
• Fans tailgate in the stadium parking lot before every home game.
• They tailgate with grilled burgers and cold drinks before kickoff.
• The police officer warned him about tailgating other cars.