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.
While its solidly mid-$100K price tag isn’t for everyone, the trickle-down tech and features allow Cadillac to extend its innovations to other buyers. Scotty Reiss, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Most other states weren’t hit so hard or as quickly as Colorado by the trickle-down effects of the federal tax bill. Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 22 Aug. 2025 Loss of those other species could have a trickle-down effect on other plants and animals. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2025 Other states are already considering mid-decade congressional redistricting, and Democrats have warned of a trickle-down effect to local governmental bodies. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Aug. 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 10 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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