trail

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a series of marks or signs left by something that has passed by.

n. a mark, scent, or series of signs left by a person, animal, or object as it moves along.

“The wet dog left a trail of muddy footprints across the clean kitchen floor.”

“The jet left a long white vapor trail across the clear blue sky, marking its path toward the coast.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Theater British English

n. a short advertisement for a future television programme or film.

n. a brief promotional broadcast used to advertise an upcoming television programme or cinematic release.

“I saw a trail for the new drama series during the news break.”

“The network aired a thirty-second trail for the documentary, hoping to build anticipation for the season premiere.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to follow someone by staying behind them, often secretly.

v. to follow behind someone or something, often for the purpose of surveillance or tracking.

Español:seguir

“The private detective trailed the suspect for three days without being seen.”

“The police trailed the vehicle through the city outskirts, waiting for the driver to meet with his accomplices.”

B1 · Intermediate Sports

v. to be behind another person or team in a competition or game.

v. to be losing a competition or falling behind a competitor in terms of score or progress.

“The team was trailing by two goals at half-time but managed to win.”

“Despite trailing for most of the race, the runner found a sudden burst of energy in the final lap to overtake the leader.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to pull something along the ground behind you.

v. to drag or be dragged along the ground or another surface behind a moving object.

Español:arrastrar

“The child walked slowly, trailing her blanket on the floor behind her.”

“The long silk dress trailed elegantly across the marble floor as she moved through the ballroom.”

C2 · Proficiency Military Technical · Formal

v. to carry a rifle or gun low to the ground with one hand.

v. to carry a firearm in a specific position with the muzzle forward and the butt near the ground.

“The soldiers were ordered to trail arms as they moved quietly through the brush.”

“The infantrymen were instructed to trail their rifles to avoid catching the barrels on the low-hanging branches of the dense jungle canopy.”