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

• channel
• conduit
• duct
• leader
• line
• penstock
• pipe
• tube

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

According to Gass, the disturbance in the pattern came from a low-pressure trough developing at the upper part of the atmosphere in the Alaskan Gulf, as well as moisture from the sub-tropical level down south. —Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 4 Oct. 2024

The Eastern European country has seen similar troughs in its population over the last century. —Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 10 Sep. 2024

The trough will also bring rain to the San Joaquin Valley. —Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 15 Sep. 2024

Water delivery devices, including troughs, buckets and tire waterers, should be drained and cleaned. —Andrew J. Whelton, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2024

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

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