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

Hardware cost has a trickle-down effect on modernization plans, software choices and the pace of innovation. — Susan Odle, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2026

The blue wave could have trickle-down effects on Colorado’s ballot measures. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 5 Nov. 2026

Economists have been particularly concerned about the unprecedented rise in diesel prices because of the trickle-down effect higher fuel prices for transporting consumer goods can quickly have on the economy. — Garrett Haake, NBC news, 2 Nov. 2026

The practical argument for wind-and-rain protection applies equally to spring transitional weather, and the trickle-down to Zara and Uniqlo means the shape will stay in stores well past this fall’s drop cycle. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 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