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.
Not to mention, as drone technology evolves, there has been a significant trickle-down of features and functionality to less expensive models. James Abbott, Space.com, 23 Feb. 2026 Their choices had a trickle-down effect, Close said, to spark the future transfers. Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 21 Feb. 2026 There’s a struggle at the top, and it’s being felt amongst a lot of the employees as well, because there’s a trickle-down effect. Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 20 Feb. 2026 People are also skipping trips to the grocery store or drug store, which can have a trickle-down impact on health, Muthyala said. Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 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 27 Feb. 2026.

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