tailgate party

noun

Updated on: 11 Apr 2018

Definition of tailgate party

: a social gathering in which food and drinks are served at or near the back end of a parked vehicle (such as a pickup truck) that usually occurs in a parking lot before or after a public event (such a football game or concert)

See tailgate party defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of tailgate party from the Web

Fans can celebrate the new 45-yards-wide Indians banner during a pre-game tailgate party on Home Opening Day on Friday at the Cleveland Technology Center, 1625 Rockwell Ave.

— julie washington, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Indians banner erected downtown in time for home opener," 4 Apr. 2018
So for something new for your next Brewers tailgate party, consider putting those regular old brats on hold and giving one of these a try.

— nancy stohs, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Time to tailgate: Spruce up your opening day with regional favorites," 29 Mar. 2018
This chili will please everyone at your next tailgate party.

— cheryl slocum, Country Living, "Turkey Chili," 27 July 2010
Thames could probably rent out this fine machine for Miller Park tailgate parties starting opening day.

— emmett prosser, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Brewers first baseman Eric Thames arrives at spring training in monster truck," 15 Feb. 2018
The fraternity also got in trouble for hosting a tailgate party where a minor was served alcohol, according to a statement from the university.

— kyra gurney, miamiherald, "Fraternities and sororities are back at FIU — but there’s a catch," 5 Feb. 2018
Top Chef teams up with the Denver Broncos to host the best tailgating party, so the challenge is to work in teams of two and create one plate of food for a tailgate Super Bowl party for 300 players and fans.

— luis miguel echegaray, SI.com, "Talkin' Top Chef, Episode Nine: A Super Bowl-Inspired Challenge Brings in the Broncos," 1 Feb. 2018
The donation was a peace offering, an apology really, for the behavior of some Eagles fans toward Vikings fans during a tailgate party at Lincoln Financial Field where the NFC Championship game was played.

— desmond conner, courant.com, "On The Fly: Nice Eagles Fans Respond In Kind To Vikings Coach," 26 Jan. 2018
Don’t forget to stop by the Mallmart parking lot after a Friday night football game for the most happening tailgate parties.

— jessica macleish, Teen Vogue, "Every Brand “Riverdale” Mentions," 23 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tailgate party.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.