Language Research

track · noun

/træk/Full view

track (PATH)

B1 C a narrow path or road

Dictionary example:

We followed a dirt track off the main road.

Learner example:

However, on the second day, the sun appeared, and we went [o]n a mountain track. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Portuguese)

track (RACE)

B1 C a path, often circular, used for races

Dictionary examples:

a race track

The runners are now on their final lap of the track.

Learner example:

There are 3 football fields, 4 basketball fields, an athletic[s] track, 4 tennis fields, and a bar [and] changing rooms. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

track (MUSIC)

B2 C one song or piece of music on a CD, record, etc.

Dictionary example:

The album includes four previously unreleased tracks.

Learner example:

It is a really good idea to give every CD a book containing information about every track on [the] disc and about [the] performance. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

track (TRAINS)

C1 C or U the long metal lines which a train travels along

Dictionary examples:

a 10-mile stretch of track

Passengers are requested not to walk across the tracks.

Learner example:

When the train enters a small town in Northern Switzerland, the visitor will be surprised by hundreds of fan posters and flags along the rail track. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; German)

track (TYPE OF SPORT)

B2 U a sport in which people compete with each other by running a race on a specially prepared circular path

Dictionary example:

a track event

Learner example:

Since that time I have been reading every article about track and field. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

track (MARKS)

B2 C usually plural a mark or line of marks left on the ground or on another surface by an animal, person or vehicle which has moved over it

Dictionary examples:

Police found tyre tracks in the mud.

The hunters followed the tracks of the deer for hours.

The burglars were careful not to leave any tracks behind them.

Learner example:

I [saw] some tracks on the floor. I went to the bedroom and near the bed I [saw] a big cat with its kittens. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

lose track

B2 to not know what is happening to someone or something any more

Dictionary example:

I've lost track of how much we've spent.

Learner example:

Time passed like an arrow and they lost track of time until they realised it [was] getting dark. (First Certificate in English; B2; Korean)

on track

C1 making progress and likely to succeed

Dictionary examples:

A fighter from Edinburgh is on track to become world heavyweight boxing champion.

We've got a lot of work to do but we're on the right track.

Learner example:

The sales teams are well on track and bringing [in] new customers every day. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; German)

keep track

C1 to continue to know about someone or something

Dictionary examples:

He changes jobs so often I can’t keep track any more.

Be sure to keep track of the time so you won't be late.

Learner example:

Trying to keep track of these changes by translating them would be an inappropriate task. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; German)

off the beaten track

C2 in a place where few people go

Dictionary example:

I prefer to take my holiday somewhere off the beaten track.

Learner example:

Furthermore, in areas off the beaten track, there [are] not even police sometimes. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

a fast track (to sth)

C2 a very quick way of achieving or dealing with something

Dictionary example:

These intensive courses claim to offer a fast track to wealth and success.

Learner example:

If I ever found a job which lives up to these expectations, I would consider myself on [a] fast track already. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Italian)

track (DEVELOPMENT)

C2 C or U the direction in which someone's job or education develops

Dictionary example:

She was a lawyer, but then she changed track completely and became a doctor.

track · verb T

/træk/

track (FOLLOW)

C2 to follow a person or animal by looking for proof that they have been somewhere, or by using electronic equipment

Dictionary examples:

It's difficult to track an animal over stony ground.

The military use radar satellites to track targets through clouds and at night.

The terrorists were tracked to Amsterdam.

Learner example:

It is her eventually who may be considered as the [i]nvoluntary cause of Chen's death, by keeping on sending money [to] China and then allowing the Mafia to track him. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; French)

track (RECORD)

C2 to record the progress or development of something over a period

Dictionary example:

The project tracks the effects of population growth on the area.

Learner example:

However, it would be useless to track the [outbreak] of wars and to judge humanity for not learning. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

track down sb/sth or track sb/sth down

C2 to find someone or something after looking for them in a lot of different places

Dictionary example:

The man was finally tracked down by French police.

Learner example:

They managed to track him down at the bottom of the cliff, where he had accidentally fallen, but the cliff was to[o] steep for the climbers to go down. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)