trickle-down
adjective
trick·le-down
ˈtri-kəl-ˈdau̇n 
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
And the arguments about savings for consumers are usually a bunch of trickle-down fiction.
—
Scott Maxwell, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2025
These beliefs operate in the same way ‘trickle-down’ economics is meant to work.
—Dave Winsborough, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
That kind of generational trauma can have a trickle-down effect as stories of deprivation, separation, and starvation are passed down from grandparents, to parents, to children, to grandchildren.
—Jae-Ha Kim, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2025
Nagging LaMalfa’s office is particularly important given the cuts that Musk wants to make across the federal government, and the trickle-down effect that may have on the rural northern county.
—Jenavieve Hatch, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for trickle-down
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Scott Maxwell, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2025
These beliefs operate in the same way ‘trickle-down’ economics is meant to work.
—Dave Winsborough, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
That kind of generational trauma can have a trickle-down effect as stories of deprivation, separation, and starvation are passed down from grandparents, to parents, to children, to grandchildren.
—Jae-Ha Kim, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2025
Nagging LaMalfa’s office is particularly important given the cuts that Musk wants to make across the federal government, and the trickle-down effect that may have on the rural northern county.
—Jenavieve Hatch, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for trickle-down
Cite this Entry
“Trickle-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trickle-down. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share