trickle-down

adjective

trick·​le-down ˈtri-kəl-ˈdau̇n How to pronounce trickle-down (audio)
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
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That has a trickle-down effect on weather across the world. Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026 That trickle-down effect is already being felt by some small business owners, including Fort Lauderdale hairstylist Dana D'Oench. Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026 Everyone knew that the arrest of the former prince Andrew would have a trickle-down effect in the monarchy. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 23 Mar. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for trickle-down

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of trickle-down was in 1944

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Cite this Entry

“Trickle-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trickle-down. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

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