plural tracks
1
: a mark left on the ground by a moving animal, person, or vehicle
—usually plural
moose/tire tracks
Dinosaur tracks were found in the canyon.
2
: a path or trail that is made by people or animals walking through a field, forest, etc.
Follow the track into the forest.
3
a
: a pair of metal bars that a train, trolley, or subway car rides along
The train went off the track. = The train jumped the track.
—usually pluralWe were walking beside the train/railroad tracks.
b
US
: a set of tracks at a train or subway station
The train to Chicago will leave track 3.
4
: an often circular path or road that is used for racing
She ran a few laps around the track before the race.
a dog/horse track [=a track where dog/horse races are held]
5
US
: track and field
He ran track in high school.
—often used before another nouna track star
our track team
a track event/meet
6
: a rod or bar that is used to hold something (such as a curtain or sliding door)
7
: the course along which someone or something moves or proceeds
the track of a storm/bullet
His brother and sister went to college, but he chose a different track. [=he chose to do something different]
8
US
: a course of study followed by students who have particular abilities, needs, and goals
students on the college track
called also (British) stream
9
a
: a song on a record, CD, etc.
Tracks 6 and 11 are particularly good.
The title track [=the song with the same title as the album] is a hit.
b
: a separate recording of each instrument or voice in a song
Increase the volume on the drum/vocal track.
tracks; tracked; tracking
1
a
: to follow and try to find (an animal) by looking for its tracks and other signs that show where it has gone
He tracked the deer for a mile.
b
: to follow and find (someone or something) especially by looking at evidence
The detectives tracked the killer to Arizona.
—often + downThey tracked him down in Arizona.
Scientists tracked down the cause of the disease to a particular gene.
If I manage to track down [=find] those photos, I'll let you know.
2
a
: to follow or watch the path of (something)
The ship can track incoming missiles with radar.
Meteorologists are tracking the storm.
an electronic tracking device/system
b
: to watch or follow the progress of (someone or something)
You should start tracking [=keeping track of] your living expenses.
The study tracked the patients over the course of five years.
3
US
: to move in a certain way or in a certain direction
The boat tracks well.
The squadron will track north by northeast for 40 miles.
4
US
: to make marks by bringing (dirt, mud, etc.) indoors on the bottom of your feet
Don't you track mud into this clean kitchen!
The dog tracked dirt all over the floor.
5
US
: to place young students in certain classes according to their abilities and needs
This school does not track.
The school tracks [=(Brit) streams] students into "remedial," "average," and "gifted" classes.
6
of a movie camera or video camera
: to move in a particular direction especially in a straight line
At the start of the movie, the camera tracks along the street to the house's front door.
Cite this Entry
“Track.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/track. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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