Language Research

trail · noun C

/treɪl/Full view

trail (PATH)

B2 a path through the countryside, often made or used for a particular purpose

Dictionary example:

a mountain/nature trail

Learner example:

After 6 miles of the trail we decided to stop and put our blanket on the ground. (First Certificate in English; B2; Dutch)

trail (MARKS)

C2 the smell or series of marks left by a person, animal, or thing as it moves along

Dictionary examples:

The dogs are specially trained to follow the trail left by the fox.

He left a trail of muddy footprints behind him.

Learner example:

Azman and I were looking at a trail of fresh blood leading into the woods. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Chinese)

trail · verb I or T

/treɪl/

trail (FOLLOW)

C2 to follow or come behind

Dictionary examples:

The sailboats trailed each other across the bay.

A string of police cars led the president’s limousine and others trailed behind.

Learner example:

In former times . . . Traveling people had the time to adjust themselves to their new surroundings step by step. Nowadays, our body moves quickly, but our soul trails behind. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)

trail (LOWER SCORE)

C2 to have a lower score than someone else, especially in a sports event

Dictionary example:

City were trailing United 1-2 at half time.

Learner example:

They were trailing by four points, but still, they had possession of the ball. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)

trail off

C2 to gradually becomes quieter or less in amount

Dictionary example:

His voice trailed off weakly and we could not hear the rest.

Learner example:

Fred's voice trailed off as he felt his legs give way beneath him. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Chinese)