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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There is also the possibility that, should Manuel land on a sitting head coach, the trickle-down effect makes this carousel spin like an unprecedented cyclone. David Close, CNN Money, 11 Dec. 2025 The trickle-down effect helped secure key plot-specific pieces of costuming, but also will set the groundwork for Season 2 and beyond. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 9 Dec. 2025 Third, there will be a trickle-down effect to get players in more appropriate sports in the lineup. Michael Russo, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025 Although that’s not the rate consumers pay, the Fed’s moves do have a trickle-down effect on many types of consumer loans. Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 27 Oct. 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 18 Dec. 2025.

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