trough

noun

ˈtrȯf  ˈtrȯth 

by bakers often

ˈtrō 

plural troughs ˈtrȯfs  ˈtrȯvz 

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

Synonyms of trough

• pipe
• conduit
• tube
• funnel
• channel
• drain

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

The coordinates of a vector in Hilbert space include information that corresponds to this alignment of peaks and troughs, called a wave’s phase. — Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 23 Sep. 2026

Trotter’s team had prepped the property with water troughs and alfalfa hay, which drew in the animals. — Ingfei Chen, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026

At the same time, another upper-level trough will move into the West, helping pull monsoon moisture northward into the Southern High Plains next week. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026

Winds will pose a fire risk, especially Saturday In the upper atmosphere, a trough of lower pressure will settle across the Pacific coast Friday and Saturday, quickly ushering in strong onshore winds and cooler temperatures. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2026

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

Phrases Containing trough

• eaves trough
• have/get one's nose/snout in the trough

Rhymes for trough

• coif
• cough
• doff
• goff
• groff
• off
• quaff
• raphe
• scoff
• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff

Kids Definition

trough

noun

ˈtrȯf 

plural troughs ˈtrȯfs  ˈtrȯvz 

1

: a long shallow container for the drinking water or feed of domestic animals

2

: a pipe, drain, or channel for water

especially : gutter entry 1 sense 1a

3

: a long and narrow or shallow hollow (as between waves or hills)

Medical Definition

trough

see gingival trough