trailing edge

noun

: the rearmost edge of an object that moves and especially of an airfoil

Examples of trailing edge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There were isotope differences between the leading and trailing edge of the moon, so the researchers took the average of the two. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 19 Apr. 2024 The Racer’s wings are optimized in all phases of flight, thanks to flaps on the trailing edge. Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 16 May 2024 Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 Apr. 2024 There is an inner part in which the distance between the leading (front) edge and trailing (rear) edge increases away from the root; a middle part where the edge is almost parallel to the distance between wing tip to wing tip; and the outer part, in which the trailing edge is concave to the wing. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 6 July 2023 At high speeds, the panel returns to sit flush with the trailing edge of the rear bodywork to reduce drag. Angus MacKenzie, Robb Report, 29 June 2023 The fish’s pectoral fins grew abnormally, and fluorescence appeared along both their leading and trailing edges, which showed that the skate’s enhancer was driving hoxa expression in both parts of the fin. Viviane Callier, Quanta Magazine, 30 May 2023 The trailing edge of the roofline, which extends rearward jutting out from the body, constitutes the biggest design flourish, but that oddity is only discernible from the rear. Joe Lorio, Car and Driver, 13 Mar. 2023 Closer inspection brings hints at aggression with bars of vertical chrome instead of the starry-sky grille up front and a flick of ducktail spoiler at the trailing edge of the sloped rear deck. Elana Scherr, Car and Driver, 14 July 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trailing edge.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trailing edge was in 1909

Dictionary Entries Near trailing edge

Cite this Entry

“Trailing edge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trailing%20edge. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!