trail
verb (used with object)
to drag or let drag along the ground or other surface; draw or drag along behind.
had trailed
-
past perfectof trail.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Zonneveld had trailed 3-1 to Littler, after the opening exchanges went against the throw, before he battled back to take a 4-3 lead.
From BBC ● Mar. 22, 2026
When Bryant scored his 81 points 20 years ago, his Los Angeles Lakers had trailed for most of the game before he led a comeback victory.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 11, 2026
On a controversial afternoon in west London, Arne Slot's side had trailed to Harry Wilson's first-half goal.
From Barron's ● Jan. 4, 2026
Reinhart had the tying goal — his fifth of the season — with three about minutes left in regulation after the Panthers had trailed 2-0 midway through the third.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2025
On that night, eight weeks ago, Bo had trailed alongside him with sleepy eyes.
From "The Thief Lord" by Cornelia Funke
