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

The title track is dark, pulsing dance pop, indebted, in obvious ways, to the trickle-down influence of Madonna, particularly via Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, and Dua Lipa. — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026

The low prices have a trickle-down effect that leads fans to eat and drink more, and encourages them to try more of the culinary team’s offerings. — Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Such action by governors has had a trickle-down effect on local municipalities and school boards, according to Adam Abutaa, of the Muslim civic engagement organization Emgage Florida. — Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026

Tax cuts don’t pay for themselves, and trickle-down economics doesn’t work. — Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 31 Aug. 2026

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