trickle-down

adjective

trick·​le-down ˈtri-kəl-ˈdau̇n 

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

Regarding the income side, trickle-down economics didn’t work when Ronald Reagan attempted it, and didn’t work when Trump reduced taxes for the rich in his first term. —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2025

There are trickle-down effects to the lower elevations, too. —Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 18 June 2025

Alongside dizziness, the trickle-down effects of dehydration could prompt a headache, fatigue, muscle weakness and problems focusing. —Rachel Nall, SELF, 17 June 2025

More: The trickle-down effect of President Trump's massive NIH budget cuts The funding cuts are part of the Trump administration's wide-ranging efforts to slash government spending. —Nate Rayond, USA Today, 18 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for trickle-down

• chinatown
• tumbledown
• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown