Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

the trenches

plural noun

Definition of the trenches

: a place or situation in which people do very difficult work
  • These people are working every day down in the trenches to improve the lives of refugees.

Word by Word Definitions

trench play trenches

  1. : a long cut in the ground : ditch

  2. : a place, position, or level at which an activity is carried on in a manner likened to trench warfare

  3. : a long, narrow, and usually steep-sided depression in the ocean floor — compare trough

  1. : to make a cut in : carve

  2. : to protect with or as if with a trench

  3. : to cut a trench in : ditch

See the full definition of trench

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up the trenches? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games