tracks
tracks — verb
- trackspresent simple I / you / we / they
- trackses3rd person singular
- tracksing-ing form
- tracksedpast simple
1. To pursue and locate someone or something by interpreting physical clues such as
To pursue and locate someone or something by interpreting physical clues such as footprints, marks, or other signs left behind along their path.
The search party tracked the lost hiker through the forest for two days before finding her.
track + person through [location]
Using broken branches and footprints in the mud, the ranger tracked the bear back to its cave.
track + animal using [evidence]
Police dogs tracked the suspect's scent across several blocks of the city.
Feng tracked the deer by following its hoof prints through the snowy field.
The hunters used dogs to track the rabbit into the thick forest.
track using dogs
- track through the forest
- track by following tracks
- track using dogs
- track a suspect
Grammar Patterns
track + noun phrase (person/animal)
Usage Note
The object of this sense is typically a living being (person or animal) whose location is discovered through physical clues such as footprints, broken branches, scent, or disturbed ground. This is the most concrete sense of 'track', used in hunting, search-and-rescue, and police investigation contexts.
2. To rely on GPS, radar, barcode systems, or similar technology to follow and show
To rely on GPS, radar, barcode systems, or similar technology to follow and show where a person, vehicle, or package is while it moves.
Camille tracked her online order from the warehouse all the way to her front door.
track + package/order using tracking number
Air traffic controllers track every plane that enters their airspace.
The app lets you track your bus in real time so you know when it will arrive.
track + vehicle in real time
Niran tracked the delivery van using a GPS device installed inside the vehicle.
- track a package
- track a flight
- track in real time
- track by GPS
Grammar Patterns
track + noun phrase (package/vehicle/person)
Usage Note
The subject is often a system, device, or person using technology. This sense is very common in everyday contexts such as package delivery, public transport apps, and ride-sharing services.
Common Mistakes
3. To carefully watch and write down how something develops or changes over a perio
To carefully watch and write down how something develops or changes over a period of time, often to learn from the information.
Scientists track ocean temperatures every year to study the effects of climate change.
track + data over time to study change
The company tracks its sales figures each month to see which products are selling well.
Doctors track a baby's growth by measuring its height and weight at each checkup.
Cole tracked his daily spending for a month to understand where his money went.
track + spending/expenses over time
- track progress
- track growth
- track development
- track changes
- track data
Grammar Patterns
track + noun phrase (progress/development/data)
Usage Note
This sense often appears in contexts of science, business, health, and personal finance. The object is typically a process, metric, or set of data points, not a physical moving thing.
4. (Of a motion-picture or television camera) to glide smoothly alongside or toward
(Of a motion-picture or television camera) to glide smoothly alongside or toward whatever is being filmed, producing a flowing uninterrupted shot.
The camera tracked slowly alongside the running horse during the race scene.
camera + tracks + alongside [subject]
In the opening shot, the camera tracks backward as the actress walks toward the house.
The director asked the operator to track the camera to the left to follow the children playing.
track + camera + direction
Gabriel watched the camera track along the shelf of old books, each title coming briefly into view.
- camera tracks alongside
- camera tracks backward
- camera tracks past
Grammar Patterns
camera + tracks + adverb/preposition (along/past/toward)
Usage Note
The subject is always a camera or filming device. This is a technical term used in filmmaking and video production. 'Track' in this sense is intransitive — you say 'the camera tracks' without a direct object.
5. (Of a moving part in a recording, reading, or playback device) to follow a groov
(Of a moving part in a recording, reading, or playback device) to follow a groove or path accurately, settling at the right spot so the equipment works as intended.
The laser in the CD player tracked across the surface of the disc to read the music data.
laser/needle + tracks across [surface]
When Emma placed the record on the turntable, the needle tracked smoothly along the groove.
If the disc is scratched, the reading head may fail to track properly and skip.
fail to track + cause (skip)
The old tape player still worked, and the playback head tracked the magnetic strip without any problems.
- track across the disc
- track along the groove
- needle tracks
- laser tracks
Grammar Patterns
moving part + tracks + preposition
Usage Note
This sense is mainly used in technical descriptions of recording and playback equipment. It appears most often in manuals, repair guides, or discussions of audio/video hardware, and is rarely used in everyday conversation.
6. To watch and record the changing level or value of financial indicators — for ex
To watch and record the changing level or value of financial indicators — for example, interest rates, share prices, or market trends.
Andrew tracks the stock market every morning to decide which shares to buy or sell.
track + stock market / share price
The website tracks changes in interest rates across more than fifty different banks.
Investors track the price of gold closely because it affects the value of their savings.
track + [commodity] closely
Rania tracked the exchange rate for weeks before changing her money into euros.
- track the stock market
- track interest rates
- track share prices
- track a trend
Grammar Patterns
track + noun phrase (price/rate/trend)
Usage Note
The object is always a financial metric — interest rate, share price, exchange rate, market index, or similar. This sense is used both by professionals (analysts, traders) and by ordinary people managing personal finances.
7. to put school students into separate classes or groups based on how well they pe
to put school students into separate classes or groups based on how well they perform in their studies, so that each group can learn at a pace that suits them
The school tracks students by reading level from the first grade onwards.
collocation: be tracked by [ability level]
Critics argue that tracking students reduces their chances to learn from classmates of different levels.
collocation: track students by [criterion]
After being tracked into the advanced math group, Kemi felt more challenged in her lessons.
Selim's school stopped tracking students because teachers said it created gaps between groups.
Some teachers believe tracking helps them give the right level of work to each group.
- track students by ability
- track into groups
- tracked classes
- mainstream
to place students of all abilities together in the same class rather than separating them
Grammar Patterns
track + object
track + object + by/into/according to [criterion]
be tracked + into/by
8. to bring dirt, mud, water, or another substance into a clean area on your shoes
to bring dirt, mud, water, or another substance into a clean area on your shoes or feet, leaving marks or mess behind you as you walk
Wipe your feet, or you will track mud across the kitchen floor.
collocation: track mud across/onto [surface]
The children tracked sand all through the house after their day at the beach.
Nellie asked her guests to remove their boots to avoid tracking dirt onto the floor.
The dog ran inside and tracked wet paw prints across the living room rug.
Ishaan's work boots tracked dark mud from the garden to the front door.
- track mud
- track dirt
- track sand
- track in
- track across
- track onto
- track through
Grammar Patterns
track + object + prepositional phrase
track + prepositional phrase
track + adverb
Usage Note
Frequently used with prepositions such as 'in', 'across', 'onto', and 'through' to indicate the surface that becomes dirty.
Common Mistakes
tracks — noun
- trackssingular
- tracksesplural
1. the two steel rails laid on the ground for trains to run on, or a numbered waiti
the two steel rails laid on the ground for trains to run on, or a numbered waiting area at a station where a train stops
Workers had to close the railway while they repaired the track near Paddington Station.
collocation: repair the track
The express to Edinburgh is waiting at track 12 — please move towards the blue signs.
Christopher noticed that the old tracks behind the factory had rusted from years of rain.
A cow walked onto the track just before the evening train arrived, causing an accident.
onto the track
- repair the track
- on track [number]
- railway track
- train track
2. a narrow unpaved route through the countryside, formed by people or animals walk
a narrow unpaved route through the countryside, formed by people or animals walking the same way many times
A muddy track behind the village leads to an old stone church on the hill.
We followed a winding dirt track through the forest until we reached a clear stream.
collocation: dirt track
The farmer drove his tractor along a narrow track between the wheat fields.
Heavy rain turned the forest track into a muddy stream that was hard to cross.
forest track
- dirt track
- muddy track
- winding track
- narrow track
Usage Note
Often describes an unpaved route in rural or wooded areas, not a road built with stone or concrete.
Common Mistakes
3. a circular course built for racing, with a surface suited to runners, horses, or
a circular course built for racing, with a surface suited to runners, horses, or vehicles
The horses galloped around the dirt track for the final lap of the race.
collocation: around the track
Putri watched the racing cars speed past her seat near the main track.
Noa felt his heart pound as he stepped onto the track for the final race.
The race officials inspected the track carefully before allowing the cars to start.
inspect the track
- racing track
- around the track
- dirt track
- main track
4. a form of athletics in which runners race each other on an oval course at set di
a form of athletics in which runners race each other on an oval course at set distances
Lara joined the track team and now runs fifteen hundred metres every afternoon.
collocation: track team
Rin prefers track to field events because she loves sprinting on the oval course.
Sofia qualified for the national track championships after winning her regional heat.
track championships
Track requires months of daily practice to build speed and endurance.
- track team
- track event
- do track
- run track
- running
broader term that includes road running and trail running
Usage Note
Uncountable when referring to the sport ('she does track'). Countable when referring to the physical course.
5. a group of sports that includes running races, jumping over bars or pits, and th
a group of sports that includes running races, jumping over bars or pits, and throwing objects such as javelins or shot puts
Anya broke the school record in three track events last season, including the long jump.
track events (running, jumping, throwing)
The state track and field championships will be held at the university stadium next month.
Christopher won a silver medal in the track competition for the high jump.
Many colleges offer scholarships to students who excel in track and field.
track and field
- track and field
- track events
- track championships
- track season
- track and field
the full name for this group of sports
- athletics
British English equivalent; also includes road running and cross-country
Usage Note
In American English, 'track' alone can refer to all track-and-field sports. In British English, 'athletics' is the preferred term.
6. a visible sign pressed into a surface when a person, animal, or vehicle passes o
a visible sign pressed into a surface when a person, animal, or vehicle passes over it, often indicating the route taken
Reuben found fresh bear tracks in the mud near the mountain campsite.
collocation: bear tracks / animal tracks
The police officer examined the tyre tracks left by the escaping car in the field.
The hikers followed the deer tracks through the snow until they reached the lake.
deer tracks
No one could tell whose tracks those were because the rain had washed them away.
- animal tracks
- bear tracks
- tyre tracks
- foot tracks
- fresh tracks
Usage Note
Usually plural when referring to a series of marks. Singular 'track' is rare for a single footprint; 'footprint' is more natural for one mark.
Common Mistakes
7. the process of searching for evidence left behind by someone or something in ord
the process of searching for evidence left behind by someone or something in order to find them
The police were on the track of the thief after finding footprints near the window.
on the track of — pursuing clues to find someone
The hunters followed the track of the deer through the forest for several hours.
follow the track of + [animal]
The rescue team was on the track of the lost climbers when the storm arrived.
Dylan carefully studied the track of the bear in the soft mud beside the river.
- on the track of
- follow the track of
- lose the track of
Grammar Patterns
on the track of + [person/animal]
lose/follow the track of + [person/animal]
Usage Note
Frequently used in fixed phrases such as 'on the track of' or 'follow the track of' when referring to finding a person or animal.
8. the route or line along which a moving object travels, particularly through the
the route or line along which a moving object travels, particularly through the sky or air
The satellite changed its track to avoid a piece of space debris.
change track — alter the course of a moving object
Leo watched the track of the shooting star until it disappeared behind the clouds.
The storm's track shifted northward during the night, surprising weather forecasters.
storm's track — the path a weather system takes
The pilot adjusted the plane's track to avoid the thunderstorm ahead.
- change track
- track of
- storm track
- course
broader term for any direction of movement; less tied to aerial motion
- path
more general; 'track' often implies a plotted or recorded trajectory
- trajectory
more technical; used in physics and ballistics
Grammar Patterns
change track
track of + [moving object]
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 7 (MARKS): sense 8 describes the path of something currently moving, not the act of following past signs.
9. the way that a person's professional life or studies progress over time
the way that a person's professional life or studies progress over time
After the coding course, Lara's career track shifted from design to software engineering.
career track — the direction of professional development
Trang chose an academic track that focused on environmental science rather than business.
academic track — a chosen field of study at university level
Young professionals today often switch tracks several times before settling into one field.
Gabriel is on a fast track to becoming a partner at the law firm.
fast track — a deliberately accelerated path to advancement
- career track
- academic track
- fast track
- on a track
- path
more general; 'track' emphasizes a structured, predefined route
- route
suggests a specific plan; 'track' is more about the direction of development
- trajectory
more formal; often used for the arc of a career over time
Grammar Patterns
career track
academic track
on a ... track
Usage Note
Common in compound phrases such as 'career track', 'fast track', and 'academic track'. Usually implies a structured or deliberate progression rather than random job changes.
Common Mistakes
10. the order or development of a thought, concept, or connected series of happening
the order or development of a thought, concept, or connected series of happenings as they unfold
Keep track of my argument as I explain it, and you will see how I reached this conclusion.
keep track of — follow the logical progression of an argument
Sora lost track of the conversation when the topic moved to international finance.
lose track of — become unable to follow the progression
The documentary presents a clear track of events that led to the discovery.
track of events — a connected series of happenings
Dewi kept me on track throughout her speech, starting with the problem and ending with a solution.
on track — following the intended progression of ideas
- line of reasoning
- line of argument
- chain of events
- lose track of
- follow the track of
- train of thought
more common for mental progression; 'track' can also refer to events
- sequence
more neutral; 'track' implies following a connected chain
- progression
more formal; focuses on forward movement rather than connectedness
Grammar Patterns
lose track of + [thought/conversation]
line of reasoning/argument
chain of events
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 9 (CAREER PATH): sense 10 refers to the unfolding of thoughts or events, not of a career. Often used with 'lose track of' to mean becoming unable to follow a discussion or line of reasoning.
11. a set of linked metal plates that fits onto the wheels of heavy vehicles, allowi
a set of linked metal plates that fits onto the wheels of heavy vehicles, allowing them to move over rough ground
The tank's tracks got stuck in the mud during the military exercise.
tank tracks — continuous metal belts on military vehicles
Bulldozers with wide tracks can move across soft ground without sinking.
The mechanic inspected the tracks for any broken plates before the mission began.
Anya watched the excavator's tracks leave deep patterns in the wet soil.
excavator's tracks — tracks on construction equipment
- tank tracks
- bulldozer tracks
- metal tracks
- wide tracks
- caterpillar tracks
brand name often used generically; 'tracks' is the standard term
- continuous tracks
more technical term used in engineering contexts
Grammar Patterns
tank tracks
bulldozer tracks
wide/narrow tracks
Usage Note
Usually appears in the plural form 'tracks' since the belts come as a pair (one on each side of the vehicle).
12. a group or level of classes that students are placed in according to their age a
a group or level of classes that students are placed in according to their age and academic ability
The school puts students in different tracks based on their test scores and grades.
in different tracks — grouped by ability level
Adaeze moved to a higher track in mathematics after she improved her exam results.
Critics argue that the track system limits opportunities for students in lower groups.
track system — an educational method of grouping by ability
Tariro was placed in the advanced track for both science and history classes.
- track system
- advanced track
- higher track
- top track
- stream
British English equivalent of 'track' in education
- set
British English term for ability-based groups within a subject
- ability group
more transparent term for the same concept
Grammar Patterns
[academic] track
in the [top/advanced/higher] track
track system
Usage Note
Chiefly used in American English education systems. In British English, 'stream' or 'set' is more common for the same concept.
Common Mistakes
13. A system where students within one school are divided into groups, with each gro
A system where students within one school are divided into groups, with each group attending classes during a different period of the year so that not everyone is on holiday at once.
The school switched to a staggered-year track to reduce the number of students in the building.
collocation: staggered-year track
In the new track system, one group studies from July to October and another starts in November.
collocation: track system
Parents found it hard to plan holidays because the children were on different school schedules.
Many schools in warmer regions use a year-round track with rotating attendance blocks.
collocation: year-round track
- track system
- year-round track
- staggered schedule
- rotating blocks
- attendance window
- rotating schedule
emphasises the cyclic nature of the arrangement
- staggered timetable
British English; describes the same concept
Grammar Patterns
track system
on a [adjective] track
Usage Note
This meaning is used mainly in the US school system. It is different from sense 12 (ability grouping), which groups students by skill level rather than by staggered timing.
Common Mistakes
14. One complete song, piece of music, or segment of sound that appears on a CD, alb
One complete song, piece of music, or segment of sound that appears on a CD, album, film soundtrack, or other recording, usually listed as a separate item.
The final track on the album became a huge hit around the world.
collocation: final track on [album]
Liam downloaded every track from the film soundtrack to learn the guitar parts.
collocation: track from [soundtrack]
The band recorded twelve tracks for the album, but only eight made the final list.
This app lets you skip to any track without waiting for the previous one to end.
collocation: skip to [a] track
- title track
- bonus track
- opening track
- track listing
- favourite track
Grammar Patterns
track + on/from + [album/recording]
track + number
Common Mistakes
15. A separate path, strip, or groove on a tape, disk, computer drive, or similar me
A separate path, strip, or groove on a tape, disk, computer drive, or similar medium where sound, images, or data are recorded and stored.
Old cassette tapes have four tracks, two for each direction of playback.
collocation: have [number] tracks
The engineer mixed the vocal track with the drum track to create the final song.
collocation: vocal track / drum track
A hard disk stores data on circular tracks scanned by a read head as the disk spins.
Each track on the recording tape holds a separate instrument, so the producer can adjust it later.
each track can hold [instrument/voice]
- audio track
- data track
- magnetic track
- separate track
- vocal track
Grammar Patterns
[number] tracks
track + on + [medium]
vocal/instrumental track
Usage Note
This is the original technical meaning from which sense 14 (a recorded song) developed. A physical tape or disk can have multiple separate tracks side by side, each carrying its own signal.
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: verb/1
For verb sense 1, tracks is closest to follow, trace, and monitor, but each word points to a different kind of pursuit. Follow is the broadest choice and can simply mean going behind someone or copying their actions. Trace often means working backward through records or clues after something has already happened. Monitor emphasizes watching something regularly, especially through data or a screen. Track is more specific because it suggests locating a moving person, animal, vehicle, or pattern by using signs, records, or technology. You can follow a teacher's instructions, trace a phone call after a crime, and monitor a patient's heartbeat, but police track a suspect and an app tracks a package.
Common collocations
Nouns
- track record
- train tracks
- music track
Adverbs
Phrases
- keep track of
- lose track of
- on track
- off track
- fast track
- track and field
Prepositions
- through the forest
- by GPS
- into the house
Etymology
「track」一詞源自中古法語「trac」，意為「足跡、小徑、路痕」。約在15世紀進入中古英語，最初作名詞指「物體經過後留下的痕跡」，後來衍生出動詞用法，表示「循著痕跡追隨」。19世紀初，隨著鐵路技術的發展，出現了「鐵軌」的意義。20世紀錄音技術興起後，磁帶或唱片上的實體記錄「軌道」逐漸延伸為「歌曲、曲目」的含義，形成了現代多層次的語義網絡。
First known use
15th century
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a Verb