C1noun 2K

Trail

🇬🇧 UK /["/treɪl/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/treɪl/"]/

Meaning of Trail

a long line or series of marks that is left by somebody/something

In simple words: A path or track made for walking or riding.

Trail in a sentence

• We followed the mountain trail for several miles before reaching the summit.
• The hiker left a trail of footprints in the fresh snow.
• Crime scene investigators carefully examined the trail of evidence.
• She blazed a new trail through the dense forest to reach the lake.
• The political candidate is trailing in the polls according to recent surveys.
• A trail of smoke rising from the chimney indicated someone was home.
• The detective followed the trail of clues that led to the suspect’s hideout.
• They set out to explore a trail that circled the entire island.

How to use Trail

Use 'trail' when referring to a path in nature, like in a park or forest. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts, but avoid it in urban settings where 'path' or 'road' might be more fitting.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'trail' as a 'train' track in nature where you can travel.

Related words

Collocations with Trail

• scent
• blood
• smoke
• lay
• leave
• make
• go cold
• on somebody’s trail
• a trail of blood
• a trail of devastation
• a trail of smoke
• scent
• blood
• smoke
• lay
• leave
• make
• go cold
• on somebody’s trail
• a trail of blood
• a trail of devastation
• a trail of smoke
• forest
• mountain
• nature
• follow
• hit
• take
• go
• lead
• run
• along a/​the trail
• forest
• mountain
• nature
• follow
• hit
• take
• go
• lead
• run
• along a/​the trail

Synonyms for Trail

• path
• track
• route
• way
• pathway

Opposites of Trail

• main road
• highway

Common mistakes with Trail

• Confused with 'tale', which is a story.
• Used inappropriately as a verb, e.g. 'I trail my bike' instead of 'I ride my bike on the trail'.

Frequently asked questions about Trail

What does Trail mean?

A path or track made for walking or riding.

What is the definition of Trail?

a long line or series of marks that is left by somebody/something

How do you use Trail in a sentence?

We followed the mountain trail for several miles before reaching the summit.

Can you give another example of Trail?

The hiker left a trail of footprints in the fresh snow.

What are synonyms for Trail?

Common alternatives include path, track, route, way, pathway.

What is the opposite of Trail?

Opposite meanings include main road, highway.

What words go with Trail?

It commonly pairs with scent, blood, smoke, lay, leave, make, go cold, on somebody’s trail, a trail of blood, a trail of devastation, a trail of smoke, scent, blood, smoke, lay, leave, make, go cold, on somebody’s trail, a trail of blood, a trail of devastation, a trail of smoke, forest, mountain, nature, follow, hit, take, go, lead, run, along a/​the trail, forest, mountain, nature, follow, hit, take, go, lead, run, along a/​the trail.

What are common mistakes when using Trail?

Confused with 'tale', which is a story. Used inappropriately as a verb, e.g. 'I trail my bike' instead of 'I ride my bike on the trail'.

How do you pronounce Trail?

US: /["/treɪl/"]/, UK: /["/treɪl/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Trail?

Use 'trail' when referring to a path in nature, like in a park or forest. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts, but avoid it in urban settings where 'path' or 'road' might be more fitting.

What CEFR level is Trail?

"Trail" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.