trail
verb (used with object)
to drag or let drag along the ground or other surface; draw or drag along behind.
has trailed
-
present perfectof trail (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
The industrial sector has performed better than the S&P 500 so far this year, although it has trailed the energy and technology sectors.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 19, 2026
It has trailed an S&P 500 ETF by 75 percentage points with an expense ratio 26 times as high.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 23, 2026
The crisis in the chemicals sector reflects a broader malaise in the German economy, whose growth has trailed behind other major economies.
From Barron's ● Mar. 26, 2026
In 16 of those 18 previous post-war Ashes rubbers in which a team has trailed 2-0 after two Tests, that side has lost the series by at least three Tests.
From BBC ● Dec. 9, 2025
She mentions the paint I spilled last night while I was working, but I don’t hear all of what she says because her voice has trailed off and is muffled behind the closed door.
From "Piecing Me Together" by Renée Watson
