track
TRAK
Track (noun) means a rough path or trail, often left by repeated use. Example: “We followed a muddy track through the woods until we reached the lake.”
noun
1
A rough path or trail, often left by repeated use.
"We followed a muddy track through the woods until we reached the lake."
"The tractor left a deep track across the wet field."
"A narrow dirt track led up to the farmhouse."
2
A pair of parallel rails that a train runs on.
"Workers were repairing the track near the station, so our train was delayed."
"Never walk on the track, because trains can arrive without much warning."
"The freight train rattled along the track through the valley."
3
A single song or recording on an album or playlist.
"She skipped the first track because she had already heard it a hundred times."
"Which track on this album would you recommend to someone new to the band?"
"The title track is by far the best song on the record."
verb
1
To follow and monitor the movement, progress, or location of someone or something over time.
"I use a notebook to track how much money I spend each month."
"The app lets you track your package until it arrives."
"Scientists track the migration of whales using satellite tags."
How to use track
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA path, a rail line, a song, or (as a verb) to follow something's progress over time.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
track record
keep track of
off the beaten track
railway track
a new track
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- tracks
- Past tense
- tracked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We followed a muddy _____ through the woods until we reached the lake.
Etymology
From Old French trac, meaning the track or trail left by horses, likely from a Germanic word related to "tread" and "trek."
Related words
Rhymes for track
See all rhymes for 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.
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