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

• 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

Burrage led the efforts at Tuba City’s hospital by organizing a comprehensive response, including data collection, contact tracing, community outreach, disease surveillance, testing, vaccination campaigns and staff training. —Suzette Brewer, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2025

The killing helped to usher in the Gun Control Act of 1968, which among other things required firearms to be sold by federally licensed dealers, to have markings to enable tracing, and for paperwork to be filled out identifying the buyer. —Andrew Blankstein, NBC news, 20 Sep. 2025

Each investigation into a case includes identifying and reaching out to people who may have been exposed by the person who tested positive for measles, a process known as contact tracing. —Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025

But the crayoned tracing of Jaron’s hand above Goldie’s head was almost invisible. —Annie Proulx, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2025

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
• pacing
• placing
• racing
• spacing
• debasing

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