Trail Means to Drag Behind
A trail is a path or a series of marks left behind. The verb originally meant to drag something along the ground.
A trail is a path through rough country, or a series of marks left by something passing. The verb came first and meant to drag: Old French *trailler* meant to tow, and something trailing is being pulled behind. Everything else follows — a trail on the ground is what dragging leaves, and to *trail* in a contest is to be dragged along behind the leader. A film *trailer* was originally shown after the feature, trailing it, before cinemas moved them to the front.
- A path. *A mountain trail.*
- Marks left behind. *A trail of crumbs.*
- To drag. *Trailing a rope.*
- To be behind. *Trailing by two goals.*
- Old French — *trailler*, to tow. *The source.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | trail | A trail. |
| Plural | trails | Trails. |
| Verb | trail | Trail behind. |
| Agent | trailer | A trailer. |
| Compound | trailblazer | A trailblazer. |
- The trail climbs through the pines.Path.
- A trail of smoke hung in the air.Marks.
- They are trailing by two points.Sport.
Trail words
- Trailer — something towed, and a film preview
- Trailblazer — one who marks a new path by blazing trees
- Trailing edge — the rear edge of a wing
- Paper trail — a documentary record
- Trail off — to fade into silence
Old French *trailler*, to tow or drag, from Vulgar Latin *tragulare*, to drag.
Why is a film preview called a trailer?
Because it was originally shown after the feature, trailing it. Cinemas moved them to the front but the name stayed.
What is a trailblazer?
Someone who marks a new route, originally by cutting blazes into tree bark so others could follow.