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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Its wearer was the tech entrepreneur Yu-Chi Lyra Kuo (trickle-down evidence of the gala’s unspoken Silicon Valley subtheme). Jane Bua, New Yorker, 14 May 2026 The trickle-down effect was too much to recover from. Michael Russo, New York Times, 14 May 2026 Factoring in trickle-down impacts—like empty restaurants and unused services—the total rises to roughly $5 billion, with worst-case estimates nearing $10 billion. Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 9 May 2026 The trickle-down effect is well-documented. Frances Mei Hardin, Boston Herald, 9 May 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 20 May. 2026.

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