trailing Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun the pursuit (of a person or animal) by following tracks or marks they left behind
   tracking.
   
2. verb to lag or linger behind
   drop behind; hang back; trail; drag; get behind; drop back.
   
   • But in so many other areas we still are dragging
3. verb go after with the intent to catch
   go after; chase after; track; dog; trail; tail; tag; give chase; chase.
   
   • The policeman chased the mugger down the alley
   • the dog chased the rabbit
4. verb move, proceed, or walk draggingly or slowly
   trail; shack.
   
   • John trailed behind his class mates
   • The Mercedes trailed behind the horse cart
5. verb hang down so as to drag along the ground
   trail.
   
   • The bride's veiled trailed along the ground
6. verb drag loosely along a surface; allow to sweep the ground
   trail; train.
   
   • The toddler was trailing his pants
   • She trained her long scarf behind her

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