plural trends
1
: a general direction of change : a way of behaving, proceeding, etc., that is developing and becoming more common
the downward/upward trend of the stock market
Digital technology is the latest/current trend in television.
Teachers are trying to reverse the general trend [=tendency] of lower test scores.
There is a disturbing/growing trend toward obesity in children.
trends in fashion
The director has set/started a (new) trend in moviemaking. [=other directors are copying the director's way of making movies]
2
: something that is currently popular or fashionable
fashion trends
Cite this Entry
“Trend.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/trend. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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