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
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.
Owls can fly silently thanks to fringe-like serrations formed at the trailing edge of their feathers. — Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 July 2025 The trailing edge at the evening limb is where the heated daytime gases are crossing over into the dark side. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 21 May 2026 These countries are struggling to cope with an export juggernaut — one that is hyper-competitive both at the frontiers of technology, and at the trailing edge. — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 13 Nov. 2025 Flow over the morphing body separates behind the trailing edge of the inflated shape, so whether the protrusion is at the front, center, or back of the robot influences the amount of drag and lift. — IEEE Spectrum, 15 Nov. 2019 See All Example Sentences for trailing edge

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for trailing edge

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Browse Nearby Words

trailing arbutus
trailing edge
trailing fuchsia
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Cite this Entry

“Trailing edge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trailing%20edge. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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