Trails: meaning, definitions and examples
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trails
[ treΙͺlz ]
pathway outdoors
A trail is a marked path or route, often used for walking, hiking, or biking in natural environments such as forests or parks. Trails can vary in difficulty and length and are often used to navigate through the wilderness.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- We hiked along the mountain trails.
- The park has several scenic trails for visitors.
- She enjoys running on the local nature trails.
evidence or signs
In a forensic sense, a trail can refer to signs or evidence of someone's or something's presence, often used in the context of investigations. This can include tracks, scents, or other indicators left behind.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The detective followed the trail of evidence.
- He lost the trail while searching for the missing person.
- Animals leave trails that can help identify their movements.
custom or tradition
A trail can also refer to a recurring event, experience, or tradition that is followed over time, such as a trail of accomplishments or a lineage of family history. It signifies the path one takes through life.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She blazed a trail in her career.
- The family has maintained a trail of traditions.
- He followed in his father's trail of achievements.
Word origin
The word 'trail' comes from the Middle English term 'traylle' or 'traile', which is a derivative of the Old French word 'trailer', meaning 'to drag' or 'to pull along'. The root of the word can be traced back further to the Latin 'tractus', which means 'to draw' or 'to pull', reflecting the notion of following a path or dragging something behind. Over time, the meaning of 'trail' evolved to denote not just the act of dragging but specifically paths created by passage, whether of people or animals. The use of the word in relation to defined paths for walking or hiking solidified in the early 19th century, coinciding with the growing interest in outdoor activities and trails as recreational routes.