English · Word Candidate

trailing

/ˈtɹeɪ.lɪŋ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: trailings

Sense 1

Meaning · English

That converge in the direction of travel.

Adjective

Examples

On the far hillside we are approaching can be descried a bridge on the first section (Ruabon–Llangollen) of the important G.W.R. branch to Dolgelley, which will shortly join our main line by means of a trailing junction.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

That follows behind; especially, that is attached and pulled behind.

Adjective

Examples

the trailing railcars

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Fabric or other material that trails.

Noun

Examples

[…] their roots, projecting in fibrous sprawls from their trunks, were their feet, and she pictured them advancing with wide trailings, and rustlings as of green draperies […]

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “trailing” mean?

That converge in the direction of travel.

Is “trailing” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.