trail
A narrow path made by people or animals walking over the same ground many times.
A beaten path or track, especially through a forest, countryside, or wilderness, formed by the passage of people or animals.
To go after someone or something, usually staying behind them.
To follow someone or something, often secretly or at a distance.
To hang down and move along the ground or behind something.
To hang or drag loosely behind something as it moves.
To walk slowly and be behind other people because you are tired or bored.
To walk or move slowly and without energy, especially behind other people.
Marks, smells, or other signs left when someone or something goes by.
A series of marks, smells, or other signs showing where someone or something has passed.
- Base: trail
- Plural: trails
- Base: trail
- 3rd Person Singular: trails
- Present Participle: trailing
- Past: trailed
leave a trail of [something]
1leave signs along a path while moving forward
To cause things or marks to be left behind you as you move.
- The truck left a trail of dust down the road.
- She left a trail of perfume wherever she went.
on someone's trail
1actively following to catch someone/something
Trying to catch someone by following signs they leave behind.
- The detective was on the criminal's trail within hours of the robbery.
- Search dogs are on their trail.
trail off
1gradually become quieter and stop speaking
To speak more quietly until you stop completely.
- Her voice trailed off as she realized no one was listening.
- He began to explain but then trailed off in embarrassment.