How to Pronounce Tailgate

To pronounce "tailgate", say TAILG-at-e — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈteɪlˌɡeɪt/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

tailgate

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Accent

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Speed

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈteɪlˌɡeɪt/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “tailgate”

"tailgate" has 3 syllables: tailg-at-e. It rhymes with elucidate and articulate, if that helps it stick.

What does tailgate mean?

noun

A hinged board or hatch at the rear of a vehicle that can be lowered for loading and unloading; a tailboard.
The hinged rear door of a hatchback.

verb

To drive dangerously close behind another vehicle.
“That idiot has been tailgating me for the last five minutes.”
To follow another person through access control on their access, rather than on one’s own credentials, especially when entering a door controlled by a card reader.

Synonyms

draft piggyback

Hear “tailgate” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with tailgate

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

elucidate articulate desolate facilitate profligate explicate deliberate delineate ruminate innate cultivate state

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "tailgate"?▾

"Tailgate" has 3 syllables: tailg · at · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "tailgate"?▾

The IPA transcription of "tailgate" is /ˈteɪlˌɡeɪt/.

What does "tailgate" mean?▾

Tailgate: A hinged board or hatch at the rear of a vehicle that can be lowered for loading and unloading; a tailboard.

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