trailing
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.following behind something else, often because it is being pulled.
adj.following or being dragged behind a moving object; often used to describe physical attachments or appendages.
Simple“The car had a trailing wire that sparked against the road as it drove.”
In context“The aircraft's trailing edge flaps were adjusted to increase lift during the final approach to the runway.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun.
- 02 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.
Simple“She planted trailing flowers in the baskets so they would hang over the balcony.”
In context“The ancient stone walls were almost entirely obscured by thick curtains of trailing ivy and wild jasmine.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“Trailing by two goals, the team had to play much harder in the second half.”
In context“Despite trailing for most of the final set, the champion managed to break her opponent's serve and secure the victory.”
UsageOften followed by the preposition 'by' to indicate the score difference.
- 04 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.
Simple“The child walked through the house, trailing a dirty blanket behind him.”
In context“The hikers spent the afternoon trailing the elusive mountain goats through the rocky terrain of the upper valley.”
- 05 C2 Proficiency
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.
Simple“The queen's gown had long trailings of silk that swept the floor.”
In context“The costume was designed with elaborate trailings of lace that mimicked the movement of sea foam as the dancer spun.”
“Trabzonspor finished third in the Turkish top flight last season, and take on Hungary’s Ferencvaros on Thursday in the second leg of their Europa League playoff tie, trailing 1-0.”
“Azerbaijan’s champions were trailing to Matheus Cunha’s opener when Kaheem Parris spiralled the ball up to the far post of Manchester United’s goal.”