track

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.

“Track” is pronounced TRAK (/ˈtɹæk/ in IPA).

Here is “track” used in a sentence: “A narrow dirt track led up to the farmhouse.”

Words with a similar meaning to “track” include monitor.

Depending on how it is used, “track” can be a noun and a verb.

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.".

“Track” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Track” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a rough path or trail, often left by repeated use.

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.

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.

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.