English dictionary
trail
nounPronunciation
/tɹeɪl/
Audio pronunciation
Parts of speech
Definitions
noun
- The track or indication marking the route followed by something that has passed, such as the footprints of animal on land or the contrail of an airplane in the sky.
- A route for travel over land, especially a narrow, unpaved pathway for use by hikers, horseback riders, etc.
- A trailer broadcast on television for a forthcoming film or programme.
- A walk in which all the edges are distinct.
verb
- To follow behind (someone or something); to tail (someone or something).
- To drag (something) behind on the ground.
- To leave (a trail of).
- To show a trailer of (a film, TV show etc.); to release or publish a preview of (a report etc.) in advance of the full publication.
- To hang or drag loosely behind; to move with a slow sweeping motion.
- To run or climb like certain plants.
- To drag oneself lazily or reluctantly along.
- To be losing, to be behind in a competition.
- To carry (a firearm) with the breech near the ground and the upper part inclined forward, the piece being held by the right hand near the middle.
- To flatten (grass, etc.) by walking through it; to tread down.
- To take advantage of the ignorance of; to impose upon.
Example sentences
The hunters trailed their prey deep into the woods.
You'll get your coat all muddy if you trail it around like that.
He walked into the house, soaking wet, and trailed water all over the place.
His new film was trailed on TV last night.
The bride's long dress trailed behind her as she walked down the aisle.
Our parents marched to church and we trailed behind.