a mark or a series of signs or objects left behind by the passage of someone or something

a trail of blood on the grass

the torrential rain left a trail of devastation

a long thin part or line stretching behind or hanging down from something

smoke trails

we drove down in a trail of tourist cars

trails of ivy

a beaten path through the countryside

country parks with nature trails

easy waymarked trails for the casual walker

a trailer for a film or broadcast

a recent television trail for ‘The Bill’

the rear end of a gun carriage, resting or sliding on the ground when the gun is unlimbered

draw or be drawn along behind someone or something

Alex trailed a hand through the clear water

her robe trailed along the ground

walk or move slowly or wearily

he baulked at the idea of trailing around the shops

follow (a person or animal) by using marks or scent left behind

Sam suspected they were trailing him

be losing to an opponent in a game or contest

the defending champions were trailing 10—5 at half-time

give advance publicity to (a film, broadcast, or proposal)

the bank's plans have been extensively trailed

apply (slip) through a nozzle or spout to decorate ceramic ware