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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These aren’t trickle-down Reaganites, and their differences with Sophie don’t stop at visual signifiers like hairdos and high heels. Alison Herman, Variety, 21 July 2025 The Fed's benchmark sets what banks charge each other for overnight lending, but also has a trickle-down effect on almost all of the borrowing and savings rates Americans see every day. Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 18 July 2025 Until then, all three are in a holding pattern, which could be having a trickle-down effect on the remaining free-agent class at large. Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025 Kim Cook, the CEO of the National College Attainment Network, a college access group, said any losses in grad students could have eventual trickle-down effects for colleges' larger financial aid budgets. Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 14 July 2025 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 29 Jul. 2025.

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