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trough

noun
\ ˈtrȯf How to pronounce trough (audio) , ˈtrȯth, by bakers often ˈtrō\
plural troughs\ ˈtrȯfs How to pronounce troughs (audio) , ˈtrȯvz ; ˈtrȯths , ˈtrȯ(t͟h)z ; ˈtrōz \

Definition of trough

1a : a long shallow often V-shaped receptacle for the drinking water or feed of domestic animals
b : any of various domestic or industrial containers
2a : 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 Example Sentences Learn More about trough

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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

 Further Reading Just in time, a trough arrives to pull Dorian away from Florida With Hurricane Dorian threatening the East Coast, some automakers are leveraging their networks of connected cars to help out. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, "GM and Tesla unlock connected car features to help with Hurricane Dorian," 3 Sep. 2019 By day 3, Dorian is forecast to turn northeastward ahead of a trough of low pressure approaching from the west. — Leigh Morgan, al, "Hurricane Dorian 2019 path update: Florida waits for turn north as Category 4 storm batters Bahamas," 2 Sep. 2019 As of Sunday morning, the hurricane center began investigating a trough of low pressure disturbed weather located several hundred miles south-southeast of Bermuda. — Richard Tribou, orlandosentinel.com, "As Florida preps for Hurricane Dorian, four more potential tropical systems tracked," 2 Sep. 2019 The higher humidity, in combination of a trough of low pressure and a cold front crossing New England, will trigger scattered afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms. — courant.com, "Scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening," 3 Aug. 2019 Fountains and irrigation troughs original to the complex cool it all down and add to the let-it-flow atmosphere. — Jennifer Barger, Washington Post, "In Marrakesh, a secret garden to rival St. Laurent’s famed Jardin Majorelle," 1 Aug. 2019 The hurricane center said a trough of low pressure was kicking off rain and storms over the northwest Bahamas on Tuesday. — Leigh Morgan, al.com, "Hurricane center watching disturbance near Florida, but will it develop?," 22 July 2019 Change water often in birdbaths, wading pools, fountains, and animal troughs. — Betty Cahill, The Denver Post, "How to get rid of mosquitoes in your yard," 14 June 2019 The Dow Jones Industrial Average had been up 311 points before the tweet -- meaning that within minutes of the tariff news the blue-chip index had plunged from a peak to a trough of more than 600 points. — Fox News, "US to withdraw from historic arms control treaty with Russia; Michelle Obama addresses calls to join 2020 race," 2 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'trough.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of trough

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

History and Etymology for trough

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

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More Definitions for trough

trough

noun
How to pronounce trough (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of trough

: a long, shallow container from which animals (such as cows, pigs, horses, etc.) eat or drink
: a period in which there is little economic activity and prices are usually low
: a long, low area between waves or hills

See the full definition for trough in the English Language Learners Dictionary

trough

noun
\ ˈtrȯf How to pronounce trough (audio) \

Kids Definition of trough

1 : a long shallow open container especially for water or feed for livestock
2 : a channel for water : gutter
3 : a long channel or hollow

trough

Medical Definition of trough

— see gingival trough

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More from Merriam-Webster on trough

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with trough

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for trough

Spanish Central: Translation of trough

Nglish: Translation of trough for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of trough for Arabic Speakers

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