trough

noun

ˈtrȯf How to pronounce trough (audio) ˈtrȯth How to pronounce trough (audio)
by bakers often
ˈtrō How to pronounce trough (audio)
plural troughs ˈtrȯfs How to pronounce trough (audio) ˈtrȯvz How to pronounce trough (audio)
ˈtrȯths,
ˈtrȯ(t͟h)z;
ˈtrōz
1
a
: a long shallow often V-shaped receptacle for the drinking water or feed of domestic animals
b
: any of various domestic or industrial containers
2
a
: a conduit, drain, or channel for water
especially : a gutter along the eaves of a building
b
: a long and narrow or shallow channel or depression (as between waves or hills)
especially : a long but shallow depression in the bed of the sea compare trench
3
: the minimum point of a complete cycle of a periodic function: such as
a
: an elongated area of low barometric pressure
b
: the low point in a business cycle

Examples of trough in a Sentence

The economy is in a trough right now. all of the wiring for the converted residential loft is concealed in a vertical trough
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.
This effect is amplified by the natural asymmetry of sea waves – their crests are typically sharper and steeper than their flatter troughs. Francesco Fedele, The Conversation, 12 Aug. 2025 Cooler conditions are expected to arrive by mid-week as a trough of low pressure approaches the west coast. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2025 Tropical cyclones can also form from surface troughs of low pressure, like the rain-making ones that moved into Texas over the past three weekends. Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 1 Aug. 2025 The biggest ones are close to 10 feet, crest to trough. Barney Henderson robert Birsel john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for trough

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English trog; akin to Old High German trog trough, Old English trēow tree, wood — more at tree entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of trough was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Trough.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trough. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

trough

noun
plural troughs ˈtrȯfs How to pronounce trough (audio) ˈtrȯvz How to pronounce trough (audio)
1
: a long shallow container for the drinking water or feed of domestic animals
2
: a pipe, drain, or channel for water
3
: a long and narrow or shallow hollow (as between waves or hills)

Medical Definition

trough

More from Merriam-Webster on trough

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