1
2
: one who traces designs, patterns, or markings
3
: a device (such as a stylus) used in tracing
4
a
: ammunition containing a chemical composition to mark the flight of projectiles by a trail of smoke or light
b
: a substance used to trace the course of a chemical or biological process
especially
: label sense 1d
Examples of tracer in a Sentence
The enemy fired tracers at the aircraft carrier.
They injected her with a radioactive tracer and tracked it via X-rays.
Recent Examples on the Web
Aware has been using tracer particles and its blockchain technology for several years now, applying it to recycled cotton, denim and other materials.
—
Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 30 Mar. 2026
This includes, but is not limited to, fuses, blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, tracers, and incendiary ammunition.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
Skip tracers typically use public records and online tools to track people down.
—Neena Satija, Houston Chronicle, 18 Mar. 2026
In the tense Lebanese capital, Beirut, Israeli surveillance drones buzz overhead while red tracer bullets light up the night skies, fired to warn residents of possible attacks.
—Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tracer
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 30 Mar. 2026
This includes, but is not limited to, fuses, blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, tracers, and incendiary ammunition.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
Skip tracers typically use public records and online tools to track people down.
—Neena Satija, Houston Chronicle, 18 Mar. 2026
In the tense Lebanese capital, Beirut, Israeli surveillance drones buzz overhead while red tracer bullets light up the night skies, fired to warn residents of possible attacks.
—Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tracer
Cite this Entry
“Tracer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tracer. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tracer
noun
trac·er
ˈtrā-sər 
1
a
: a person who traces missing persons or property
b
: an inquiry sent out in tracing a shipment lost in transit
2
a
: ammunition containing a chemical composition to mark the flight of projectiles by a trail of smoke or fire
b
: a substance and especially a labeled element or atom used to trace the course of a chemical or biological process
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