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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The decision, a win for the Republican National Committee that sued over the issue in January, could have trickle-down effects in states with similar laws, The Washington Post reported. Lauren Floyd, Axios, 25 Oct. 2024 This has created a trickle-down trend where the upper middle and middle class don’t have the same demand for luxury goods and status markers. Hakyung Kim, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2024 Research also suggests chronic stress can disrupt circadian rhythms, which may have trickle-down effects on everything from sleep to digestion. Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 11 Oct. 2024 Clearly Kane would have been much better off if the judgment had arrived a year or two ago. Don’t fall for the trickle-down myth Soccer fans will be worried that this means financial ruin for their club and increases inequality as the big clubs poach the big stars. Stefan Szymanski, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near trickle-down

Cite this Entry

“Trickle-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trickle-down. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!