track
19 synonyms for track, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A rough path or trail, often left by repeated use.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A rough path or trail, often left by repeated use.
“We followed a muddy track through the woods until we reached the lake.”
How to use track
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
track record
keep track of
off the beaten track
railway track
a new track
Etymology
From Old French trac, meaning the track or trail left by horses, likely from a Germanic word related to "tread" and "trek."
Full origin of track →Frequently asked questions
What does “track” mean?
The word “track” means a rough path or trail, often left by repeated use. In plain terms, a path, a rail line, a song, or (as a verb) to follow something's progress over time.
How do you pronounce “track”?
“Track” is pronounced TRAK (/ˈtɹæk/ in IPA).
How do you use “track” in a sentence?
Here is “track” used in a sentence: “A narrow dirt track led up to the farmhouse.”
What is another word for “track”?
Words with a similar meaning to “track” include monitor.
What part of speech is “track”?
Depending on how it is used, “track” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “track” come from?
The word “track” comes from Old French. From Old French trac, meaning the track or trail left by horses, likely from a Germanic word related to "tread" and "trek.".
Is “track” a common word?
“Track” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “track” have?
“Track” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a rough path or trail, often left by repeated use.
What is the difference between a 'track' and a 'trail'?
The two are close, and often interchangeable. A 'track' is a rough path worn by repeated passage, whether by feet, animals, or vehicles. A 'trail' is often a marked or followed route, especially for walking, and can also mean the marks something leaves behind. A track is usually formed by use; a trail is often followed.
What is the difference between a 'track' and a 'path'?
A 'path' is any way made for walking, sometimes deliberately laid out and even paved. A 'track' is rougher and less formal — a trail worn into the ground by feet, hooves, or wheels over time. Every track is a kind of path, but a path can be far more finished than a track.
What is an example of a 'track'?
A dirt track winding across a field, worn bare by walkers and animals crossing the same line day after day, is a classic example. So is a farm track used by tractors. The word captures a rough, informal route shaped by repeated use rather than by construction.
