Tracks Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tracks

[træks ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

music

Tracks refer to individual songs or pieces of music on an album or record. They are the separate parts that make up a collection of music.

Synonyms

pieces of music, songs, tunes.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tracks

Commonly used in the context of albums or playlists, referring to individual recordings or sections on a music album.

  • I love all the tracks on her new album.
  • Can you add a few more tracks to the playlist?
songs

Generally used to describe musical compositions with lyrics and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

  • What's your favorite song?
  • They sang traditional folk songs at the festival.
pieces of music

Appropriate for formal settings or when speaking about compositions, especially classical music.

  • The orchestra performed several pieces of music by Beethoven.
  • She composed a beautiful piece of music for the film.
tunes

More casual and can refer to catchy or popular melodies, often used in informal conversation.

  • That's a catchy tune!
  • I can't get that tune out of my head.

Examples of usage

  • The album contains ten tracks, each with a unique style and sound.
  • My favorite track on the album is the third one, it's so catchy.
  • She decided to release the track as a single before the full album.
  • The band played all their classic tracks at the concert.
  • I love listening to tracks from different genres.
Context #2 | Noun

railway

Tracks are the rails on which trains run, or the entire railway system. They are the infrastructure that allows trains to travel from one place to another.

Synonyms

railroad, rails, railway lines.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tracks

Already covered in the first entry.

rails

Refers specifically to the metal bars that trains ride on. This term can be used in various contexts where bars or similar structures are implied.

  • Maintenance workers were inspecting the rails for damage.
  • The project's focus was on replacing worn-out rails.
railway lines

Used more commonly in British English to describe the routes and paths where trains travel, including the infrastructure such as tracks, signals, and stations.

  • Several new railway lines were built for better connectivity.
  • She took the morning train traveling along the northern railway line.
railroad

Primarily used in American English to denote a system of tracks along with the trains, stations, and other infrastructure involved in train transportation.

  • The railroad industry played a crucial role in the development of the United States.
  • He works for a major railroad company.

Examples of usage

  • The train derailed due to a malfunction in the tracks.
  • He works for the company that maintains the tracks in this region.
  • The construction of new tracks will improve transportation in the area.
  • The station is located right next to the tracks.
  • The tracks were covered in snow after the blizzard.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Transportation

  • Railway tracks guide trains safely along their routes, with precise engineering to ensure stability.
  • In cycling and athletics, tracks refer to specially designed surfaces that enhance speed and performance.
  • The design of tracks can vary significantly based on their use, from dirt paths to asphalt and gravel.

Music

  • In music, 'tracks' refer to individual songs or pieces on an album, showcasing artists' creativity.
  • The term has expanded to include audio recordings in digital formats, often seen as 'audio tracks'.
  • Producers often layer multiple tracks to create rich sound compositions in modern music.

Technology

  • Digital tracking technologies use GPS and data analysis to follow movements or behaviors in real time.
  • In online environments, tracking refers to how websites monitor user activity for personalized experiences.
  • Fitness trackers help individuals monitor their physical activities by recording distance traveled and heart rate.

Wildlife and Nature

  • Animal tracks help wildlife biologists study animal behavior and understand their habitats.
  • Various shapes and sizes of tracks can reveal information about the species, size, and even age of the animal.
  • Tracking animals is crucial for conservation efforts, allowing researchers to understand migration patterns.

Origin of 'tracks'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'track' comes from the Old French 'trac', which means a trail or path.
  • Its roots trace back to the Latin 'tractus', meaning 'to pull and draw'.
  • The term has evolved over centuries to include different forms of paths, such as in music and railway.

The word 'tracks' has a long history, originating from the Middle English 'tracke' and the Old French 'trac'. It has been used for centuries to refer to paths, footprints, or the marks left by wheels. Over time, the term evolved to also include the rails on which trains run and individual songs on a music album. The versatility of 'tracks' in both music and transportation contexts has made it a commonly used word in modern English.


See also: backtrack, detractor, sidetrack, sidetracked, track, trackable, trackball, tracker, tracking, tracklist, trackway.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,025, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.