tracing

noun

trac·​ing ˈtrā-siŋ How to pronounce tracing (audio)
Synonyms of tracingnext
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 of tracing

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Health officials say the mistrust has also made contact tracing and early treatment more difficult, particularly in remote communities affected by rebel violence. — ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026 Contact tracing is underway to notify people who may have been exposed to the virus. — Michelle Richardson, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026 Officials say the relocation of these partners, including Africa CDC and Mercy Corps, has disrupted surveillance, contact tracing and supplies. — Prosper Heri Ngorora, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026 To do that, health officials need to quickly identify the possible routes a virus might spread, a practice known as contact tracing, says Armand Sprecher, an infectious diseases physician with Doctors Without Borders. — Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tracing

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tracing was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing tracing

Rhymes for tracing

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Browse Nearby Words

trachytoid
tracing
tracing cloth
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Cite this Entry

“Tracing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tracing. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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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 How to pronounce tracing (audio)
: a graphic record made by an instrument (as an electrocardiograph) that registers some movement

More from Merriam-Webster on tracing

Nglish: Translation of tracing for Spanish Speakers

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