trailing

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. hanging down and growing along the ground or over the side of a pot.

adj. growing or hanging downwards in a long, loose manner; typically used in botanical or decorative contexts.

“She planted trailing flowers in the baskets so they would hang over the balcony.”

“The ancient stone walls were almost entirely obscured by thick curtains of trailing ivy and wild jasmine.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Sports

v. being behind another person or team in a race or game.

v. the present participle of trail, specifically used to indicate a position of inferiority in a score or competition.

“Trailing by two goals, the team had to play much harder in the second half.”

“Despite trailing for most of the final set, the champion managed to break her opponent's serve and secure the victory.”

B1 · Intermediate

v. pulling something along the ground behind you.

v. the present participle of trail, describing the action of dragging something along a surface or following a path.

“The child walked through the house, trailing a dirty blanket behind him.”

“The hikers spent the afternoon trailing the elusive mountain goats through the rocky terrain of the upper valley.”

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Literary

n. part of a dress or piece of cloth that hangs down and moves behind someone.

n. material or fabric that hangs down or extends behind a garment or object.

“The queen's gown had long trailings of silk that swept the floor.”

“The costume was designed with elaborate trailings of lace that mimicked the movement of sea foam as the dancer spun.”