Track: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used when talking about a specific recording or a song from an album. It is a more technical term used in the music industry.

• The first track on the album is my favorite.
• They released a new track last week.

This word is commonly used to talk about a musical composition that includes lyrics and is performed by a singer or vocalists. It’s the most general and everyday term.

• That new song on the radio is so catchy.
• She sang her favorite song at the concert.

Tune is informal and is often used to refer to a melody or a catchy piece of music. It can sometimes be used interchangeably with 'song' but is less formal.

• That’s a nice tune you’re humming.
• I can’t get that tune out of my head.

This phrase is more general and can refer to any composition or work of music, including instrumental pieces. It’s often used in formal or classical contexts.

• The orchestra played a beautiful piece of music.
• He wrote a new piece of music for the piano.

Used more generally to refer to any path designed for transportation or moving objects, not limited to railroads. Can also refer to a path or course for sports and racing.

• The hiking trail turned into a narrow track through the forest.
• The athletes are warming up on the track before the race.

Specifically refers to the tracks on which trains run, often used in American English.

• We spent the afternoon walking along the old railroad track.
• The town was built near the railroad track for easy transportation of goods.

Used to refer to the entire route or network of tracks used by trains, often used in British English. It can refer to a specific route as well as the system as a whole.

• The new high-speed railway line will connect the two cities in under an hour.
• They are planning to build a new railway line through the mountains.

Refers specifically to the metal bars that a train runs on, often used in technical or engineering contexts.

• The rails need regular maintenance to ensure the trains can run smoothly.
• Workers were busy fixing the damaged rails after the storm.

Likely repeated by mistake. It should be removed as it is already covered.

Used when you are going after someone or something, or keeping up with updates or changes.

• He decided to follow the trail to find the missing dog.
• I follow the latest news on social media.

Commonly used when you need to find the origin or the path of something, like an investigation. It can also have a slight negative connotation implying careful examination.

• The detective tried to trace the source of the leak.
• They used DNA to trace his ancestry.

Used in situations where continual or regular observation is required, often for the purpose of regulation or control.

• The teacher will monitor the students during the test.
• Doctors need to monitor the patient's vital signs.