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
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.
There have been mistakes that have had a trickle-down effect on the rest of the roster, and led to a club desperately trying to stay afloat with multiple players forced to learn new positions on the fly. Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 2 June 2025 Four road trips into this year, however, no trickle-down effect has been as lauded as the changes the Dodgers have made to their actual travel schedule. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025 Indeed, manufacturing can have a trickle-down effect. Nick Mordowanec mandy Taheri john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025 These attitudes often result in negative trickle-down thinking–an attitude that causes some to not pay close attention to their finances and to grow fearful of the process. William Jones, USA Today, 16 May 2025 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 10 Jun. 2025.

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