trough

noun

ˈtrȯf  ˈtrȯth 

by bakers often

ˈtrō 

plural troughs ˈtrȯfs  ˈtrȯvz 

ˈtrȯths,

ˈtrȯ(t͟h)z;

ˈtrōz

1

a

: a long shallow often V-shaped receptacle for the drinking water or feed of domestic animals

b

: any of various domestic or industrial containers

2

a

: a conduit, drain, or channel for water

especially : a gutter along the eaves of a building

b

: a long and narrow or shallow channel or depression (as between waves or hills)

especially : a long but shallow depression in the bed of the sea compare trench

3

: the minimum point of a complete cycle of a periodic function: such as

a

: an elongated area of low barometric pressure

b

: the low point in a business cycle

Synonyms

• channel
• conduit
• duct
• leader
• line
• penstock
• pipe
• tube

Examples of trough in a Sentence

The economy is in a trough right now.

all of the wiring for the converted residential loft is concealed in a vertical trough

Recent Examples on the Web

The boat lifts easily to each crest and slides down into the wide trough. —Orval C. Johnson, Outdoor Life, 31 Oct. 2024

With the syringes of my fat ready for injection, Dr. Tepper placed the cannula into the two different access points on both sides of my face: at the corner of my eyebrows to fill the tear trough and cheek area, and at the hairline to fill my temples. —Taryn Brooke, Allure, 24 Oct. 2024

Whether the luxury market is simply going through the down phase of a normal business cycle or on the precipice of a much deeper trough, LVMH needs more significant innovations in its quiver. —Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024

In that episode, the S&P 500 lost more than a third of its value from peak to trough. —Jason Del Rey, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English trog; akin to Old High German trog trough, Old English trēow tree, wood — more at tree entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing trough

• eaves trough
• have/get one's nose/snout in the trough

Kids Definition

trough

noun

ˈtrȯf 

plural troughs ˈtrȯfs  ˈtrȯvz 

1

: a long shallow container for the drinking water or feed of domestic animals

2

: a pipe, drain, or channel for water

especially : gutter entry 1 sense 1a

3

: a long and narrow or shallow hollow (as between waves or hills)

Medical Definition

trough

see gingival trough