trickle-down

adjective

trick·​le-down ˈtri-kəl-ˈdau̇n 

1

: relating to or working on the principle of trickle-down theory

trickle-down economics

2

: relating to or being an effect caused gradually by remote or indirect influences

Examples of trickle-down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But a rising neo-populist power center with proximity to Trump carries clout, with Steve Banon and others who reject the traditional trickle-down economic policies and propose a new direction that more benefits Americans. —Lisa Mascaro, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025

However, there are likely larger repercussions that will emerge from this change, including trickle-down effects on the broader small business community. —Brock Blake, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025

Fewer cargo containers unloaded from vessels bring a trickle-down effect to truckers who will be competing for fewer loads, which translates to less product on railroads and in retail warehouses and stores. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 2 May 2025

The Warriors understand the dangerous trickle-down effects a bouncy Green can have on the rest of his team. —Kelly Iko, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for trickle-down

• chinatown
• tumbledown
• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown