trail

/treɪl/
noun
  1. A path or track through a natural area, such as a forest or mountain.
    • The hiking trail is marked with colored signs every half mile.
    • Bike riders should stay on the trail to protect the plants.
    • We followed a narrow trail through the woods to the lake.
  2. A series of marks, signs, or evidence left behind by someone or something moving.
    • The dog picked up the scent and followed the trail of the rabbit.
    • Police found a trail of footprints leading away from the house.
    • The car left a trail of dust as it drove down the dirt road.
  3. A long line or series of people or things moving or extending behind something.
    • The comet left a bright trail of light across the sky.
    • She walked into the room with a trail of children behind her.
    • A long trail of cars waited at the border crossing.
verb
  1. To follow or track someone or something, often by looking for signs or evidence.
    • The detective trailed the suspect through the crowded market.
    • Hunters trailed the deer for hours before finding it.
    • We trailed the tour guide as she led us through the museum.
  2. To be losing in a competition or race.
    • In the polls, the candidate trailed her opponent by a wide margin.
    • The runner trailed behind the leader for most of the race.
    • Our team trailed by ten points at halftime.
  3. To drag or let something hang loosely behind you as you move.
    • He trailed his fingers in the water from the side of the boat.
    • The kite's tail trailed in the wind.
    • Her long scarf trailed behind her as she walked.
  4. To move slowly or be behind others, often because of tiredness or lack of speed.
    • The car trailed slowly through the heavy traffic.
    • The youngest hiker trailed behind the group, stopping often to rest.
    • After the long walk, the dog trailed wearily at the end of the leash.
Synonyms
Antonyms
What does "trail" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean