tracing

noun

trac·​ing ˈtrā-siŋ 

1

: something that is traced: such as

a

: a copy made on a superimposed transparent sheet

b

: a graphic record made by an instrument (such as a seismograph) that registers some movement

2

: the act of one that traces

Synonyms of tracing

• pursuit
• tracking

Examples of tracing in a Sentence

the tracing of this mountain lion is going to be difficult if the rain washes away all of the tracks

Recent Examples on the Web

Officials say the relocation of aid groups, including Africa CDC and Mercy Corps, has disrupted surveillance, contact tracing and supplies. — ABC News, 30 July 2026

To do that, health officials need to quickly identify the possible routes a virus might spread, a practice known as contact tracing, says Armand Sprecher, an infectious diseases physician with Doctors Without Borders. — Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 23 July 2026

Contact tracing remains a challenge, with coverage of those exposed still at 67%. — Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

Last year, along with UNICEF, Haiti launched a program known as PREJEUNES to provide children released from armed gangs with specialized protection services, including psychosocial support, education, family tracing and reunification. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tracing

• contact tracing
• ray tracing
• tracing paper
• tracing wheel

Rhymes for tracing

• basing
• bracing
• casing
• chasing
• facing
• gracing
• lacing
• lasing
• pacing
• placing
• racing
• spacing

Kids Definition

tracing

noun

trac·​ing

ˈtrā-siŋ

1

: the act of one that traces

2

: something that is traced

Medical Definition

tracing

noun

trac·​ing ˈtrā-siŋ 

: a graphic record made by an instrument (as an electrocardiograph) that registers some movement