Trail - English meaning

verb

Describe or draw attention to (a product, service, or event) in a public medium in order to promote sales or attendance.

Usage examples:

A billboard advertising beer

verb

To make something known generally or in public, especially in order to sell it

Usage examples:

We advertised our car in the local newspaper., he advertises his services on the company notice boa…

verb

To make something generally known

Usage examples:

There's no harm in applying for other jobs, but if i were you, i wouldn't advertise the fact at work.

noun

The consequences or after-effects of a significant unpleasant event.

Usage examples:

Food prices soared in the aftermath of the drought

noun

The period following an event, such as an accident or war, and the effects caused by the event

Usage examples:

We all worked together in the aftermath of the earthquake.

noun

The period that follows an unpleasant event or accident, and the effects that it causes

Usage examples:

Many more people died in the aftermath of the explosion.

verb

Walk or move at a slow, relaxed pace.

Usage examples:

They ambled along the riverbank

noun

A walk at a slow, relaxed pace, especially for pleasure.

Usage examples:

A peaceful riverside amble

verb

To walk in a slow and relaxed way

Usage examples:

The couple ambled along, arm in arm.

verb

Make a formal public statement about a fact, occurrence, or intention.

Usage examples:

The president's office announced that the siege would be lifted

verb

To make something known or tell people about something officially

Usage examples:

They announced the death of their mother in the local paper., she announced the winner of the compe…

verb

To show that something is going to happen

Usage examples:

The first few leaves in the gutter announced the beginning of autumn.

noun

An impressive display or range of a particular type of thing.

Usage examples:

There is a vast array of literature on the topic

verb

Display or arrange (things) in a particular way.

Usage examples:

The manifesto immediately divided the forces arrayed against him

noun

A large group of things or people, esp. when shown or positioned in an attractive way

Usage examples:

The airport shops offer a wide array of merchandise., a battery of cameras was arrayed before them.

idiom

If a bad experience or your own bad behaviour is behind you, it does not exist or affect your life now

Usage examples:

Those dark days are behind me now, i'm glad to say.

phrasal verb

To be/become so involved in something difficult or complicated that you cannot do anything else

Usage examples:

Let's not get bogged down with individual complaints, uk try not to get too bogged down in the deta…

idiom

To be at the back of a group that is going somewhere

Usage examples:

You two go ahead - sam and i'll bring up the rear.

noun

A series of linked metal rings used for fastening or securing something, or for pulling loads.

Usage examples:

He slid the bolts on the front door and put the safety chain across

verb

Fasten or secure with a chain.

Usage examples:

She chained her bicycle to the railings

noun

A length of metal rings that are connected together and used for fastening or supporting, and in machinery

Usage examples:

She looped the chain around her bike and locked it to the fence., mary wore a silver chain around h…

noun

An upright pillar, typically cylindrical, supporting an arch, entablature, or other structure or standing alone as a monument.

Usage examples:

A wide entrance portico of eight ionic columns

noun

A tall, vertical post used as a support for the roof of a building or for decoration

Usage examples:

A column of soldiers, a column of smoke, the article filled two columns., a column on sports, a col…

noun

A vertical block of printed text on a page of a newspaper or magazine

Usage examples:

The article appears in the second column on page two., she continued to write her column until shor…

noun

A group of ships or vehicles travelling together, typically one accompanied by armed troops, warships, or other vehicles for protection.

Usage examples:

A convoy of lorries

verb

(of a warship or armed troops) accompany (a group of ships or vehicles) for protection.

Usage examples:

American destroyers helped to convoy much-needed supplies to britain in 1917–18

noun

A group of ships or vehicles that travel together, esp. for protection

Usage examples:

A convoy of supply ships

noun

The route or direction followed by a ship, aircraft, road, or river.

Usage examples:

The road adopts a tortuous course along the coast

verb

(of liquid) move without obstruction; flow.

Usage examples:

Tears were coursing down her cheeks

noun

The particular path something such as an aircraft or ship takes as it moves, or the path along which a river flows

Usage examples:

A southern course will take our flight over texas., the ship was blown off course (= away from its …

verb

Hang or swing loosely.

Usage examples:

Saucepans dangled from a rail

verb

To hang loosely, or to cause something to hang

Usage examples:

[ i ] a loose wire was dangling from the wall., [ t ] he dangled the puppet in front her.

verb

To hang loosely, or to hold something so that it hangs loosely

Usage examples:

Dangle from loose electric wires were dangling from the wall., he dangled the puppet in front of th…

verb

Waste time; be slow.

Usage examples:

She mustn't dawdle—she had to make the call now

verb

To do something very slowly, as if you do not want to finish it

Usage examples:

She told her daughter to quit dawdling and get dressed or she’d be late for school.

verb

To do something or go somewhere very slowly, taking more time than is necessary

Usage examples:

Stop dawdling! you'll be late for school!

verb

Be controlled or determined by.

Usage examples:

Differences in earnings depended on a wide variety of factors

verb

To be influenced or determined by something else

Usage examples:

All of this depends on how the test is constructed., “do you eat out at lunchtime?” “well, it depen…

verb

To be decided by or to change according to the stated thing

Usage examples:

Depend on whether or not we go to mexico for our holiday depends on the cost.

noun

A domesticated carnivorous mammal that typically has a long snout, an acute sense of smell, non-retractable claws, and a barking, howling, or whining voice.

Usage examples:

‘all dogs have an intense sense of smell, and every dog likes to sniff,’ smith said.

verb

Follow (someone) closely and persistently.

Usage examples:

Photographers seemed to dog her every step

noun

A canine domesticated by man since prehistoric times

verb

Pull (someone or something) along forcefully, roughly, or with difficulty.

Usage examples:

We dragged the boat up the beach

noun

The action of pulling something forcefully or with difficulty.

Usage examples:

The drag of the current

verb

Pull, as against a resistance

verb

Produce (a picture or diagram) by making lines and marks on paper with a pencil, pen, etc.

Usage examples:

He drew a map

noun

An act of selecting names randomly to decide winners in a lottery, opponents in a sporting contest, etc.

Usage examples:

The draw has been made for this year's tournament

verb

Cause to move by pulling

verb

Be carried slowly by a current of air or water.

Usage examples:

The cabin cruiser started to drift downstream

noun

A continuous slow movement from one place to another.

Usage examples:

There was a drift to the towns

verb

To move slowly, especially as a result of outside forces, with no control over direction

Usage examples:

Drift out to sea no one noticed that the boat had begun to drift out to sea., drift out many vehicl…

verb

Bend or hang downwards limply.

Usage examples:

A long black cloak drooped from his shoulders

noun

An act or instance of drooping; a limp or weary attitude.

Usage examples:

The exhausted droop of her shoulders

verb

To bend or hang down

Usage examples:

The old woman sighed and pushed back a drooping strand of iron-gray hair.

phrasal verb

To lag or linger behind

phrasal verb

To get further behind or away from something or someone

Usage examples:

As the pace quickened, pepe began to drop behind., she stopped going to classes and dropped behind …

noun

A group of people attending or surrounding an important person.

Usage examples:

An entourage of loyal courtiers

noun

The group of people who travel with and work for an important or famous person

Usage examples:

Her usual entourage includes musicians, backup singers, and technicians.

noun

A folder or box for holding loose papers together and in order for easy reference.

Usage examples:

A file of correspondence

verb

Place (a document) in a cabinet, box, or folder in a particular order.

Usage examples:

The contract, when signed, is filed

verb

(of a group of people) walk one behind the other, typically in an orderly and solemn manner.

Usage examples:

The mourners filed into the church

verb

Go or come after (a person or thing proceeding ahead); move or travel behind.

Usage examples:

She went back into the house, and ben followed her

verb

To move along after someone or something, or to move along a route or path

Usage examples:

[ t ] the dog followed us home., [ i ] he drove ahead and we followed in our own car., [ t ] follow…

verb

To happen or come after something

Usage examples:

More mergers are likely to follow., october's increase followed a 1.6% rise in output in september.…

preposition

Coming after or as a result of.

Usage examples:

Police are hunting for two men following a spate of robberies in the area

noun

A body of supporters or admirers.

Usage examples:

He attracted a worldwide following

adjective

Next in time.

Usage examples:

The following day there was a ceremony in st peter's square

noun

A path for people to walk along, especially a right of way in the countryside.

Usage examples:

The man was killed as he walked along a footpath between westdale drive and westdale road, pudsey.

noun

A path for walking

noun

A path, especially in the countryside, for walking on

noun

A number of people or things that are located, gathered, or classed together.

Usage examples:

A group of boys approached

verb

Put in a group or groups.

Usage examples:

Three chairs were grouped around a table

noun

A number of people or things that are together or considered as a unit

Usage examples:

A group of trees, i’m meeting a group of friends for dinner., a rock/soul group, she grouped the ch…

noun

A dog of a breed used for hunting, especially one able to track by scent.

Usage examples:

A hound came running through the trees, nose to the ground

verb

Harass, persecute, or pursue relentlessly.

Usage examples:

She was hounded by the italian press

noun

A type of dog used for hunting

noun

Extravagant or intensive publicity or promotion.

Usage examples:

His first album hit the stores amid a storm of hype

verb

Promote or publicize (a product or idea) intensively, often exaggerating its benefits.

Usage examples:

An industry quick to hype its products

verb

Stimulate or excite (someone).

Usage examples:

I was hyped up because i wanted to do well

idiom

Follow with the eyes or the mind

phrase

Keep under careful observation.

Usage examples:

Dealers are keeping an eye on the currency markets

idiom

To watch someone or something or stay informed about the person’s behavior, esp. to keep someone out of trouble

Usage examples:

Keep an eye on your brother while i’m out, please.

idiom

To watch something or someone carefully

Usage examples:

I like to keep tabs on my bank account so that i don't spend too much.

verb

Fail to keep up with another or others in movement or development.

Usage examples:

They waited for tim who was lagging behind

noun

Another term for string (sense 6 of the verb).

verb

Enclose or cover (a boiler, pipes, etc.) with material that provides heat insulation.

Usage examples:

All pipes and tanks in the attic should be lagged

noun

A long, narrow mark or band.

Usage examples:

A row of closely spaced dots will look like a continuous line

verb

Stand or be positioned at intervals along.

Usage examples:

A processional route lined by people waving flags

verb

Cover the inside surface of (a container or garment) with a layer of different material.

Usage examples:

A basket lined with polythene

verb

Stay in a place longer than necessary because of a reluctance to leave.

Usage examples:

She lingered in the yard, enjoying the warm sunshine

verb

To take longer than usual to leave or disappear

Usage examples:

We went to small cafes where we could linger over cappuccino., the smell lingered in the kitchen fo…

verb

To take a long time to leave or disappear

Usage examples:

After the play had finished, we lingered for a while in the bar hoping to catch sight of the actors…

verb

Stand or wait around without apparent purpose.

Usage examples:

She saw mary loitering near the cloakrooms

verb

To stay in a public place without an obvious reason to be there

Usage examples:

A group of teenagers were loitering outside the store., he was arrested for loitering.

verb

Be deprived of or cease to have or retain (something).

Usage examples:

I've lost my appetite

verb

To not be able to find something

Usage examples:

I lost my keys somewhere in the house., two officers chased the suspect, but he turned down an alle…

verb

To no longer have something or have less of something, because it has been taken away from you, or you fail to keep it

Usage examples:

Manufacturing lost 11,000 jobs in june after several months of small increases., she was among 40 p…

verb

(of a river or road) follow a winding course.

Usage examples:

A river that meandered gently through a meadow

noun

A winding curve or bend of a river or road.

Usage examples:

The river flows in sweeping meanders

verb

To follow a route that is not straight or direct

Usage examples:

Hikers can meander along the path next to the river for several miles.

noun

A way or track laid down for walking or made by continual treading.

Usage examples:

The path continues alongside the river for half a mile

combining form

Denoting a practitioner of curative treatment.

Usage examples:

Homeopath

noun

A track that constitutes or serves as a path.

Usage examples:

A tree-lined pathway

verb

Walk doggedly and slowly with heavy steps.

Usage examples:

We plodded back up the hill

noun

A slow, heavy walk.

Usage examples:

He settled down to a steady plod

verb

Walk heavily and firmly, as when weary, or through mud

noun

An opportunity to view something before it is acquired or becomes generally available.

Usage examples:

I have photos of the goods if anyone would like a preview

verb

Display (a product, film, etc.) before it is made generally available.

Usage examples:

The company will preview an enhanced version of its database

noun

An advance showing of something such as a movie or play before its formal opening, or the showing of a few parts of a movie or television program as an advertisement

Usage examples:

Members got a chance to preview the new show at the museum.

noun

A number of people or vehicles moving forward in an orderly fashion, especially as part of a ceremony.

Usage examples:

A funeral procession

noun

A line of people, vehicles, or objects moving forward in an organized manner, esp. as part of a ceremony

Usage examples:

A funeral procession, there was tight security along the processional route.

verb

Announce officially or publicly.

Usage examples:

They proclaimed that housing shortages would be solved within ten years

verb

To announce something publicly or officially

Usage examples:

She confidently proclaimed victory even as the first few votes came in.

verb

Make (something) widely known.

Usage examples:

Use the magazine to publicize human rights abuses

verb

Make known to people as a whole

verb

To make information available about someone or something

Usage examples:

Luna has helped publicize the problem of homelessness.

verb

Follow or chase (someone or something).

Usage examples:

The officer pursued the van

verb

Follow in an effort to capture

noun

A line or sequence of people or vehicles awaiting their turn to be attended to or to proceed.

Usage examples:

Upon the group's return a queue of vehicles had lined up to go across the river.

verb

Take one's place in a queue.

Usage examples:

In the war they had queued for food

noun

A line of people or things waiting for something

Usage examples:

There was a long queue for tickets at the theater., fans queued up to buy tickets.

noun

A position in the hierarchy of the armed forces.

Usage examples:

An army officer of high rank

verb

Give (someone or something) a rank or place within a grading system.

Usage examples:

Students ranked the samples in order of preference

adjective

(of vegetation) growing too thickly and coarsely.

Usage examples:

Clumps of rank grass

noun

A wide way leading from one place to another, especially one with a specially prepared surface which vehicles can use.

Usage examples:

A country road

noun

A route for traveling between places by vehicle, esp. one that has been specially surfaced and made flat

Usage examples:

[ c ] a gravel/dirt/paved road, [ u ] 82 mill road

noun

A way or course taken in getting from a starting point to a destination.

Usage examples:

The scenic route from florence to siena

verb

Send or direct along a specified course.

Usage examples:

All lines of communication were routed through london

noun

A particular way or direction between places

Usage examples:

The most direct route is to take the expressway., bus routes, a supply route

noun

A number of people or things in a more or less straight line.

Usage examples:

Her villa stood in a row of similar ones

verb

Propel (a boat) with oars.

Usage examples:

Out in the bay a small figure was rowing a rubber dinghy

noun

A spell of rowing.

Usage examples:

The two friends had gone for a light row and were turning the double scull boat opposite the boat s…

idiom

To find someone or something after a lot of searching and problems

Usage examples:

Detectives finally ran the terrorists to ground in an apartment building in chicago.

idiom

To find someone or something after a lot of searching and problems

Usage examples:

Detectives finally ran the terrorists to ground in an apartment building in chicago.

noun

A particular order in which related things follow each other.

Usage examples:

The content of the programme should follow a logical sequence

verb

Arrange in a particular order.

Usage examples:

Trainee librarians decide how a set of misfiled cards could be sequenced

noun

A series of related things or events, or the order in which things or events follow each other

Usage examples:

[ c ] the first chapter describes the strange sequence of events that led to his death., [ c ] the …

noun

A number of events, objects, or people of a similar or related kind coming one after another.

Usage examples:

The explosion was the latest in a series of accidents

noun

A number of similar or related events or things, one following another

Usage examples:

A series of scandals over the past year has not helped public confidence in the administration.

noun

A number of similar or related events or things, one following another

Usage examples:

A series of events/interviews/meetings, a series of articles/books/studies this is the first of a s…

noun

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

Usage examples:

Trees cast long shadows

verb

Short for eyeshadow.

noun

An area of darkness caused when light is blocked by something, usually in a shape similar to the object that is blocking the light

Usage examples:

[ c ] chloë kept jumping on tyler’s shadow., [ u ] this corner of the room is always in shadow., [ …

noun

A current of air or water driven back by a revolving propeller or jet engine.

Usage examples:

This aircraft company was awarded a us army contract to study vectored slipstreams and produce an a…

verb

(especially in motor racing) follow closely behind another vehicle, travelling in its slipstream and awaiting an opportunity to overtake.

Usage examples:

He then slipstreamed and overtook me again

noun

A current of air behind a quickly moving object, such as a car travelling extremely fast or an aircraft

noun

The track or scent of an animal.

Usage examples:

They searched around the hut for a spoor

verb

Follow the track or scent of (an animal or person).

Usage examples:

Taking the spear, he set off to spoor the man

noun

The marks left by a wild animal as it travels

noun

The main stem of a herbaceous plant.

Usage examples:

He chewed a stalk of grass

verb

Pursue or approach stealthily.

Usage examples:

A cat stalking a bird

noun

A stealthy pursuit of someone or something.

Usage examples:

This time the stalk would be on foot

verb

(of an irregular group of people) move along slowly so as to remain some distance behind the person or people in front.

Usage examples:

The children straggled behind them

noun

An untidy or irregularly arranged mass or group.

Usage examples:

A straggle of cottages

verb

To move alone or in small groups slowly and usually separated in distance or time from those who went earlier

Usage examples:

The players straggled in for the morning practice session., i want all you children to stay togethe…

noun

A small, narrow river.

Usage examples:

A perfect trout stream

verb

(of liquid, air, gas, etc.) run or flow in a continuous current in a specified direction.

Usage examples:

She sat with tears streaming down her face

noun

A small river that flows on or below the surface of the ground

Usage examples:

Rivers are wider, deeper, and longer than streams., the faucet leaked in a steady stream., an endle…

noun

Material consisting of threads of cotton, hemp, or other material twisted together to form a thin length.

Usage examples:

Unwieldy packs tied up with string

verb

Short for stringboard.

noun

A thin length of cord

Usage examples:

[ u ] a piece of string, guitar strings are made from steel or nylon., violins, cellos, and double …

noun

A number of people or things of a similar kind following one after the other.

Usage examples:

She had been secretary to a succession of board directors

noun

A series of things coming one after another

Usage examples:

[ c ] a succession of scandals, [ u ] in rapid succession he lost his job, his wife, and his health…

noun

A number of similar people or events that exist or happen one after another

Usage examples:

A succession of sth the company has been involved in a succession of accounting scandals., they emp…

verb

Clean (an area) by brushing away dirt or litter.

Usage examples:

I've swept the floor

noun

An act of sweeping something with a brush.

Usage examples:

I was giving the floor a quick sweep

noun

The hindmost part of an animal, especially when prolonged beyond the rest of the body, such as the flexible extension of the backbone in a vertebrate, the feathers at the hind end of a bird, or a terminal appendage in an insect.

Usage examples:

The dog's tail began to wag frantically

verb

Follow and observe (someone) closely, especially in secret.

Usage examples:

A flock of paparazzi had tailed them all over london

noun

Limitation of ownership, especially of an estate or title limited to a person and their direct descendants.

Usage examples:

The land was held in tail general

verb

(of a motor vehicle or boat) pull (another vehicle or boat) along with a rope, chain, or tow bar.

Usage examples:

A pickup van towing a trailer

noun

An act of towing a vehicle or boat.

Usage examples:

The cruiser got a tow from a warship after its engine failed

noun

The coarse and broken part of flax or hemp prepared for spinning.

Usage examples:

In this process, which is much faster than that using guillotine cutters, tow is dyed, finished, cu…

verb

Find or discover by investigation.

Usage examples:

Police are trying to trace a white van seen in the area

noun

A mark, object, or other indication of the existence or passing of something.

Usage examples:

Remove all traces of the old adhesive

noun

Each of the two side straps, chains, or ropes by which a horse is attached to a vehicle that it is pulling.

Usage examples:

The horses pulling the carriage suddenly snapped the traces and bolted off

noun

A rough path or road, typically one beaten by use rather than constructed.

Usage examples:

Follow the track to the farm

verb

Follow the trail or movements of (someone or something), typically in order to find them or note their course.

Usage examples:

Secondary radars that track the aircraft in flight

verb

Tow (a canoe) along a waterway from the bank.

Usage examples:

He was going to track the canoe up the ice-hung rapids

verb

Walk wearily or reluctantly over a long distance.

Usage examples:

Groups traiked from event to event to vie for the prizes

verb

Teach (a person or animal) a particular skill or type of behaviour through practice and instruction over a period of time.

Usage examples:

The scheme trains people for promotion

noun

A series of connected railway carriages or wagons moved by a locomotive or by integral motors.

Usage examples:

A freight train

verb

Educate for a future role or function

verb

Walk slowly and with heavy steps, typically because of exhaustion or harsh conditions.

Usage examples:

I trudged up the stairs

noun

A difficult or laborious walk.

Usage examples:

He began the long trudge back to stokenchurch street

verb

To walk slowly with a lot of effort, esp. on an uneven surface or while carrying something heavy

Usage examples:

We had to trudge through deep snow to get to school., twelve miles over rocks and hills is a long t…

verb

Emerge or cause to emerge from sleep; stop sleeping.

Usage examples:

She woke up feeling better

noun

A watch or vigil held beside the body of someone who has died, sometimes accompanied by ritual observances.

Usage examples:

He was attending a friend's wake

noun

A trail of disturbed water or air left by the passage of a ship or aircraft.

Usage examples:

The reason given for this crash was that the aircraft flew into the wake of another aircraft, and t…

verb

Walk or move in a leisurely or aimless way.

Usage examples:

I wandered through the narrow streets

noun

An act or instance of wandering.

Usage examples:

She'd go on wanders like that in her nightgown

verb

Move or cause to move in a sinuous or circular course

noun

A method, style, or manner of doing something; an optional or alternative form of action.

Usage examples:

I hated their way of cooking potatoes

adverb

At or to a considerable distance or extent; far (used before an adverb or preposition for emphasis).

Usage examples:

His understanding of what constitutes good writing is way off target

suffix

Equivalent to -ways.