trail
20 synonyms and 0 antonyms for trail, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To follow closely behind someone or something.
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.
How to use trail
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French trailler ("to tow, or track a scent"), ultimately from Latin trahere, "to pull or drag."
Full origin of trail →Frequently asked questions
What does “trail” mean?
The word “trail” means to follow closely behind someone or something. In plain terms, to follow or drag behind something, or a path/mark left behind by movement.
How do you pronounce “trail”?
“Trail” is pronounced trayl (/tɹeɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “trail” in a sentence?
Here is “trail” used in a sentence: “The puppy trailed behind her on the walk.”
What part of speech is “trail”?
Depending on how it is used, “trail” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “trail” come from?
The word “trail” comes from Latin. From Old French trailler ("to tow, or track a scent"), ultimately from Latin trahere, "to pull or drag.".
Is “trail” a common word?
“Trail” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “trail” have?
“Trail” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to follow closely behind someone or something.
What is the difference between trail and follow?
Both mean to go along behind someone, but trail adds nuance. Trailing often suggests keeping a discreet or steady distance, sometimes to watch or track without being noticed, and can imply lagging behind. Follow is more neutral and simply means to go after, whether closely, openly, or from afar.
What is the difference between 'trail' and 'trial'?
They are easily confused because the letters are so similar, but the meanings are unrelated. A trail is a path or the act of following behind something. A trial is a test or a formal examination of evidence in court. Only the order of the 'i' and 'l' separates the two spellings.
What does it mean to trail in a game or election?
It means to be behind an opponent in the score, count, or standings. If a team trails by two goals, it is losing by that margin, and a candidate who trails in the polls is running second or lower. The word captures the idea of following rather than leading.
What is an example of 'trail' as a verb?
For example, 'The detective trailed the suspect through the market' means the detective followed closely behind. Other examples include a dog trailing its owner, reporters trailing a celebrity, or a runner trailing the leader. Each shows someone or something moving along just behind another.