t-bone

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

To collide perpendicularly with the side of another vehicle.

Register: slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

Holmes, who was a lap ahead and in 6th spot, couldn’t avoid T-boning him and in the coming together they were both out.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “t-bone” mean?

To collide perpendicularly with the side of another vehicle.

Is “t-bone” formal or informal?

t-bone is generally slang.