spoor

1 of 2

noun

ˈspu̇r How to pronounce spoor (audio)
ˈspȯr
plural spoor or spoors
Synonyms of spoornext
1
: a track, a trail, a scent, or droppings especially of a wild animal
2
: a trace by which the progress of someone or something may be followed

spoor

2 of 2

verb

spoored; spooring; spoors

transitive verb

: to track by a spoor

intransitive verb

: to track something by its spoor

Examples of spoor in a Sentence

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.
Noun
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 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

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Afrikaans, from Dutch; akin to Old English spor footprint, spoor, spurnan to kick — more at spurn entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1823, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1850, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of spoor was in 1823

Rhymes for spoor

See All Rhymes for spoor

Browse Nearby Words

spoonyism
spoor
spoorer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spoor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spoor. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

spoor

noun
ˈspu̇(ə)r, 
ˈspō(ə)r, 
ˈspȯ(ə)r
: a track, a trail, a scent, or droppings especially of a wild animal

More from Merriam-Webster on spoor

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for spoor

Nglish: Translation of spoor for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spoor

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