Search Dictionary
Definition of tailgater

tailgater

/ˈteɪlˌɡeɪtər/
tail · gat · er
Plural:tailgaters
JUMP TO:

tailgater Lexical Profile

tailgater Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A driver who follows another vehicle dangerously closely.

Example

"She switched lanes on the highway to let the aggressive tailgater pass safely."

2

North American A person who hosts or attends a social gathering where food and drinks are served from the back of a parked vehicle, typically in a stadium parking lot before a sporting event or concert.

Example

"The stadium parking lot was packed with enthusiastic tailgaters grilling burgers hours before kickoff."

3

An unauthorized person who gains entry to a restricted building or area by following closely behind someone with legitimate access before the door closes.

Example

"Security guards reminded employees not to hold the side doors open for potential tailgaters."

• Nearby Words

tailender
tailfin
tailgate
tailgater
tailgating
tailings
taillamp

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tailgater. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tailgater
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.