C1noun2K

Trail

UK /["/treɪl/"]/US /["/treɪl/"]/

Definition

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.

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

  • 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

  • path
  • track
  • route
  • way
  • pathway

Antonyms

  • main road
  • highway

Common mistakes

  • 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'.