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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

 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 In those recessions, the S&P 500 typically dropped 27% from peak to trough. — Washington Post, "Fed set to cut rates for first time in decade. Is it a risk?," 29 July 2019 More If the major deals this year aren’t enough to boost longer-term growth, companies will be going back to the trough for smaller deals, some observers said. — Jared S. Hopkins, WSJ, "Behind Spate of Drug Deals, the Need for Short-Term Growth," 25 June 2019 Over the past five recessions, mortgage rates have fallen an average of 1.8 percentage points from the peak seen during the recession to the trough. — Ben Carlson, Fortune, "When the Next Recession Hits, 4 Good Things Could Happen," 19 June 2019 Bimbo stormed into the jacks, thrummed a sulfurous piss into the gurgling trough. — Colin Barrett, Harper's magazine, "The Alps," 22 July 2019 Some 45,000 jobs have been added since the trough of the Great Recession nine years ago. — New York Times, "Why Midsize Cities Struggle to Catch Up to Superstar Cities," 16 July 2019 Temperatures should start to cool by Monday, when a trough of low pressure is forecast to move into the area. — Alex Wigglesworth, latimes.com, "Worst of Southern California heat wave and smog hit Saturday," 13 July 2019 When fish swim into a large trough at the base of the dam, the lift carries them up and over the dam. — Scott Dance, baltimoresun.com, "81 snakehead fish caught swimming upstream at Conowingo Dam, a 'dramatic increase' in invasive species," 13 June 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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