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

His presence should have a trickle-down effect in the lineup, since everyone on the depth chart will move down a slot (and the weakest link will slip out of the lineup entirely). —Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026

Tech supply chains are narrow and the trickle-down effect is less pronounced. —ABC News, 3 Mar. 2026

For midsize brands like Jil Sander or Marni, the clothes are the thing, and both of those brands’ designers – Simone Bellotti and Meryll Rogge, respectively – are interested in dressing an actual client, with little regard for dazzling social media or trickle-down accessories. —Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026

Consumers are watching warily for trickle-down effects on prices at the pump. —Jordan Blum, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2026

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