trickle-down theory

noun

: a theory that financial benefits given to big business will in turn pass down to smaller businesses and consumers

Examples of trickle-down theory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But that trickle-down theory led to weaker economic growth, lower wages, bigger deficits, and the widest gap between those at the top and everyone else in nearly a century. Detroit Free Press, 2 Mar. 2022 But that trickle-down theory led to a weaker economic growth, lower wages, bigger deficits and a widening gap between the top and everyone else in nearly a century. Marina Pitofsky, USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trickle-down theory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trickle-down theory was in 1936

Dictionary Entries Near trickle-down theory

Cite this Entry

“Trickle-down theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trickle-down%20theory. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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