trickle-down

adjective

trick·​le-down ˈtri-kəl-ˈdau̇n How to pronounce trickle-down (audio)
1
: relating to or working on the principle of trickle-down theory
trickle-down economics
2
: relating to or being an effect caused gradually by remote or indirect influences

Examples of trickle-down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The trickle-down effect The draft class began with defense. Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2026 While the mayor called on the companies to absorb the tax, city councilmembers questioned its trickle-down effect. Sean Tallant, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026 In front of the blue paint, the Hughes trade has had a trickle-down effect on the rest of the defense. Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026 That has a trickle-down effect on weather across the world. Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trickle-down

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of trickle-down was in 1944

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Cite this Entry

“Trickle-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trickle-down. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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