spoor 1 of 2

noun

Definition of spoornext
1
as in track

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2
as in dung

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spoor

2 of 2

verb

as in to trail

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of spoor
Noun
Volcanoes some distance away from here left behind some sturdy volcanic rock, but also this spoor of volcanic ash that drifted underwater before the PV Peninsula became itself. — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2024 Snow had fallen less than an hour ago, and this spoor is on top of it. — Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 17 Jan. 2020 On top goes chaat masala, a collage of spices haunted by the smoky spoor of black salt; amchur, tart green mango powder; and asafetida, with its faint evocation of meat. — Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2016 The previous method used spoor (paw prints, also called pugmarks, and scat), which often led to the same animal being counted multiple times. — National Geographic, 20 Apr. 2016
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spoor
  1. track
  2. dung
  3. trail
  4. pug
  5. scat
  6. course
  7. excrement
  8. dog
Noun
  • The only remaining track in Illinois, Fairmount Park Casino & Racing, opened its casino in April 2025.
    — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The London musician’s forlorn and otherworldly new industrial track passes a sleepless night.
    — Marshall Gu, Pitchfork, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of track
Noun
  • Behind the cookline equipment, the rodent dung shared space with 20 dead roaches.
    — David J. Neal July 24, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
  • When not elbow-deep in dino dung or outrunning raptors, Laura Dern's heartfelt performance in Jurassic Park shows why women really deserve to inherit the Earth — and all of the acting awards.
    — Huntley Woods, Entertainment Weekly, 11 June 2026
Definition of dung
Verb
  • His security detail trailing us up and down the boat look increasingly unamused.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The stock notched its second-best day ever, trailing only August 2020, when shares jumped roughly 26%.
    — CJ Haddad, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of trail
Noun
  • As a child, Madix would put on shows for her pug, Ming, and a doll of Fievel, the mouse from An American Tail.
    — Anna Peele, Vanity Fair, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Fire officials said the people inside the vehicle were OK, but crews then had to locate and secure a pug that had been riding inside.
    — Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of pug
Noun
  • The researchers also note any other signs of bear activity in the area, such as footprints, scat or a sighting of a live bear.
    — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Amaroq Weiss, senior wolf advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity, questioned the methodology, saying researchers collected scat only along roads and trails while excluding brushy areas where wolves may eat smaller prey.
    — Scott Lebar. Story produced with AI assistance, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of scat
Verb
  • On September 1, 1987, a military train loaded with munitions coursed out of Diablo Valley, in the East Bay of Northern California.
    — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The novel’s length is daunting, but the writing is swift and eventful, often expressed in coursing run-on sentences.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of course
Noun
  • Police also said there was dog excrement in both of the children’s bedrooms, according to the documents.
    — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The inspector counted over 15 pieces of roach excrement under the three-compartment sink, and 20 on the front counter floor.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of excrement
Verb
  • Electric vehicles for years have been dogged by worries about fire.
    — Todd C. Frankel, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Morrison was a three-and-out player, while Greathouse has been dogged by injuries, and Flores and Mickey transferred.
    — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of dog

Browse Nearby Words

spoony
spoor
spoored
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Cite this Entry

“Spoor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spoor. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spoor

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spoor

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