rear-end

1 of 2

verb

ˈrir-ˈend

-ˌend

rear-ended; rear-ending; rear-ends

transitive verb

: to crash into the back of (a vehicle)

rear end

2 of 2

noun

: the back part or section of something (such as a motor vehicle)

The preliminary investigation revealed that while traffic was stopped, the driver of a Ford F-150 pickup truck hit the rear end of a Buick passenger car …—

Gabe Hauari

: buttocks

He's sneaky strong, having increased his bench press to 325 pounds, but his legs remain matchsticks and he has virtually no rear end.—

Curry Kirkpatrick

Examples of rear-end in a Sentence

Noun She stood up and brushed off her rear end. The car's rear end was badly damaged in the accident.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

This photo shows a Maine State Police trooper's cruiser rear-ended at a traffic stop on the state turnpike in Biddeford on July 20. —

CBS News, 21 July 2024 Its announcement on Thursday presented an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which the NHTSA said aims to change federal motor vehicle safety standards specifically for the purpose of improving children's safety during rear-end crashes. —

Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 11 July 2024

Noun

While the philosophical sea change has the potential to keep some of the brand’s traditionalists from seeing the light, Ducati says the new rear end aids the bike’s suspension and handling capabilities significantly. —

Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 27 July 2024 In a similar vein, the decision to remove the fake pipes from its petrol models means that Audi’s EVs will feature a cleaner rear end, free from ICE-mimicking visual trickery. —

Andy Kalmowitz / Jalopnik, Quartz, 17 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for rear-end

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rear-end.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1957, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1785, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of rear-end was in 1785

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Rear-end.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rear-end. Accessed 13 Sep. 2024.

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