track down

British  

verb

1. (tr, adverb) to find by tracking or pursuing

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track down Idioms  

1. Follow successfully, locate, as in I've been trying to track down that book but haven't had any luck. This term alludes to the literal use of track, “follow the footsteps of.” [Second half of 1800s]

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Example Sentences

Their goal was to track down Florida's near-daily summer thunderstorms and observe a phenomenon that had never been confirmed outside a laboratory.

From Science Daily • Apr. 21, 2026

Earlier this year, the U.S. military showcased its ability to track down tankers anywhere in the world, interdicting vessels connected to Venezuela in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

That tip later helped investigators track down Heuermann.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Authorities were able to track down 5,269 people in this category and switch their names to the “found” column.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

Powell’s second problem was that he would have to track down Secretary Seward himself—not just deliver the package to a servant or nurse.

From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson