track

²track

verb

Definition of TRACK

transitive verb

1

a : to follow the tracks or traces of : trail b : to search for by following evidence until found <track down the source>

2

a : to follow by vestiges : trace b : to observe or plot the moving path of (as a spacecraft or missile) often instrumentally

3

: to travel over : traverse <track a desert>

4

a : to make tracks upon b : to carry (as mud) on the feet and deposit

5

: to keep track of (as a trend) : follow

intransitive verb

1

: travel <a comet tracking eastward>

2

a of a phonograph needle : to follow the groove undulations of a recording b of a pair of wheels (1) : to maintain a constant distance apart on the straightaway (2) : to fit a track or rails c of a rear wheel of a vehicle : to follow accurately the corresponding fore wheel on a straightaway

3

: to leave tracks (as on a floor)

— track·er noun

Examples of TRACK

1. He tracked the deer for a mile.
2. The detectives tracked the killer to Arizona.
3. The ship can track incoming missiles with radar.
4. Meteorologists are tracking the storm.
5. The study tracked the patients over the course of five years.
6. The squadron will track north by northeast for 40 miles.

First Known Use of TRACK

1565

Related to TRACK

Synonyms: bird-dog, chase, course, dog, hound, pursue, run, shadow, tag, tail, trace, follow, trail

Antonyms: guide, lead, pilot

Related Words: accompany, chaperone (or chaperon), escort; hunt, search (for), seek; eye, observe, watch

Near Antonyms: head

see all synonyms and antonyms

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