What does tailing mean?
Tailing is the practice of following someone or something closely, particularly when the follower is trying to observe the other person or vehicle without being noticed. The term is strongly associated with police work and security surveillance, as in a description of officers tailing a suspect's car, but it can also be used in broader contexts where one vehicle follows another. As a noun, tailing names the activity; as a verb, it describes carrying it out. Although closely related in meaning to following and pursuing, tailing often carries the additional implication of discreet observation. It may also have a slightly negative or suspenseful connotation because it evokes covert pursuit. The word is understandable in ordinary conversation, but it is most common in journalism, policing, and crime fiction.
The act of following someone or something closely, especially a vehicle, for observation or pursuit.
"The officers began tailing the car as it left the airport."
Usually used for close, often discreet pursuit, particularly by police.
To follow someone or something closely, especially a vehicle, in order to observe or pursue them.
"Detectives tailing the suspect lost him in the crowded market."
Often used for police or security surveillance; the present participle can function as a gerund.
The abstract sense of tailing is normally uncountable, so the plural is uncommon and rarely needed.
"The report described the detectives' tailings of the suspect's vehicle."
Tailing turns an ordinary journey into a surveillance operation: one vehicle discreetly becomes another vehicle's shadow.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tailing come from?
Tailing was formed in the modern period by adding the suffix “-ing” to the older word “tail.” The verb sense developed from the idea of following directly behind, like a physical tail following its owner. The application to vehicles and police surveillance became especially prominent in the twentieth century.
How tailing is actually used
The word is especially associated with police or security surveillance and is often used in journalism and crime fiction. It is generally informal and can suggest covert or persistent pursuit.
Easily confused with tailing
Tailing usually implies following closely for observation or pursuit, whereas trailing may simply mean following behind and can also mean moving or proceeding after something else.
Tailing means following someone or something, while tilling means preparing and cultivating soil with a plough or similar implement.