ENGLISH
REFERENCE

trailing

adj. · v. · n.
US //ˈtɹeɪɫɪŋ// UK //tɹˈeɪlɪŋ// trail·ing
  1. 1 following behind (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    following behind something else, often because it is being pulled.

    following or being dragged behind a moving object; often used to describe physical attachments or appendages.

    Example

    The car had a trailing wire that sparked against the road as it drove.

    Example

    The aircraft's trailing edge flaps were adjusted to increase lift during the final approach to the runway.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun.
  2. 2 hanging or growing down (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The ancient stone walls were almost entirely obscured by thick curtains of trailing ivy and wild jasmine.
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  1. 3 losing a competition (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

    Usage

    Often followed by the preposition 'by' to indicate the score difference.
  2. 4 dragging on the ground (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    pulling something along the ground behind you.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The hikers spent the afternoon trailing the elusive mountain goats through the rocky terrain of the upper valley.
  3. 5 hanging fabric (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

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