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

Warm air will quickly surge in on Tuesday out of the southwest ahead of another approaching trough and its associated low pressure and cold front. — Trey Fulbright, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

Despite worries over the Iran war, high inflation and pressures from the bond market, the index at the heart of many 401(k) accounts has soared 23% since hitting a trough in late March. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026

Through the upper atmosphere, a trough of lower pressure is set to dislodge our heat wave and quickly usher in a sea change. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Meanwhile, a deepening upper-level trough of low air pressure will move over the western United States and merge with atmospheric moisture generated by Hurricane Polo, forecasters said. — Roberto Villalpando, Houston Chronicle, 27 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