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
The outcome, tort reform advocates say, is a trickle-down effect that raises the costs of goods and services across the economy, particularly for insurance premiums.
—
Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 1 Apr. 2025
This kind of defense spending has all sorts of trickle-down stimulus effects, which are juicing Europe’s stock markets, and making economic experts hopeful about the EU’s economic future.
Take the German car industry, for instance.
—Miles Bryan, Vox, 31 Mar. 2025
The trickle-down effect of the Adebo addition also allows Cor’Dale Flott to become a useful backup outside and in the slot.
—Dan Duggan, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Geddy Lee wrote about a similar experience in his memoir, so there’s clearly a Kiss trickle-down effect.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 25 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.
Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 1 Apr. 2025
This kind of defense spending has all sorts of trickle-down stimulus effects, which are juicing Europe’s stock markets, and making economic experts hopeful about the EU’s economic future.
Take the German car industry, for instance.
—Miles Bryan, Vox, 31 Mar. 2025
The trickle-down effect of the Adebo addition also allows Cor’Dale Flott to become a useful backup outside and in the slot.
—Dan Duggan, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Geddy Lee wrote about a similar experience in his memoir, so there’s clearly a Kiss trickle-down effect.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 25 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 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share