What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tailboard
Example
The workers were unloading the boxes from the tailboard of the truck. [tailboard: noun]
Example
He leaned against the tailboard of the pickup truck while waiting for his friend. [tailboard: noun]
Example
The driver lowered the tailboard to unload the furniture from the truck. [tailboard: verb]
tailgate
Example
The tailgate of the SUV was dented after the accident. [tailgate: noun]
Example
We had a great time at the tailgate party before the football game. [tailgate: noun]
Example
He was tailgating the car in front of him on the highway. [tailgating: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tailgate is more commonly used than tailboard in everyday language, especially in American English. Tailgate has become a popular term for social gatherings held in the parking lot of sports events, while tailboard is less common and more specific to loading and unloading goods.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tailboard and tailgate?
Both tailboard and tailgate are relatively informal words, but tailgate may be considered more informal due to its association with social gatherings and tailgating parties.
