trail Definition
- 1a path or track made across a wild area, especially through rough country such as hills or forests
- 2a mark or a series of signs or objects left behind by the passage of someone or something
- 3to drag or pull something behind oneself while walking
Using trail: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "trail" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
We followed a narrow trail through the forest.
Example
The dog left a trail of muddy paw prints across the floor.
Example
She trailed her fingers in the water as she walked along the beach.
Example
The dress trailed along the ground behind her.
trail Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using trail
Example
The detective was on the trail of a notorious criminal.
Example
Her voice trailed off as she became lost in thought.
Example
We picked up the trail again after a brief rest.
Phrases with trail
to be the first to do something or go somewhere new and create a path for others to follow
Example
The company blazed a trail in the development of new technology.
Example
We hit the trail early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day.
Example
We lost the trail in the dense undergrowth and had to backtrack.
Origins of trail
from Middle English 'trailen', meaning 'to drag or draw'
Summary: trail in Brief
A 'trail' [treɪl] is a path or track made across a wild area, often through rough terrain like hills or forests. It can also refer to marks or signs left behind by someone or something, or dragging or pulling something behind oneself while walking. Phrases like 'blaze a trail' and 'hit the trail' denote being the first to do something or setting out on a journey. 'Trail off' means to become gradually quieter or less distinct, while 'pick up the trail' means to resume following the path or signs.
