tracing

noun

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

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.
The healthcare sector experiences rapid change because artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain tracing and telemedicine technologies transform the entire process of medical service delivery. Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 Officials said all family members of the infant were vaccinated and contact tracing suggests no community-wide exposure. Jaden Amos, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025 As Texas and New Mexico public health officials respond dutifully with vaccine clinics, contact tracing and exposure alerts, people are still getting sick from this vaccine-preventable disease. Megha Satyanarayana, Scientific American, 28 Feb. 2025 Genetic tracing of market wildlife and viruses at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic Before joining Discover Magazine, Paul Smaglik spent over 20 years as a science journalist, specializing in U.S. life science policy and global scientific career issues. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 7 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tracing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tracing. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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