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
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
Franze also explained that Beryl's lurch to the north was likely also influenced by its continued strength, as stronger storms are more heavily influenced by low-pressure troughs.
—
David Faris, Newsweek, 10 July 2024
In other words, what’s worrisome isn’t just the daytime peaks but also the nighttime troughs.
—Kylie Mohr, The Atlantic, 22 June 2024
The basins’ deep troughs plunge down 2,600 feet and are surrounded by sills that discourage mixing with more oxygenated waters.
—Douglas Main, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 July 2024
While Singapore’s gallery scene has witnessed its fair share of peaks and troughs, Tang is launching its new space during an interesting time for the city’s art scene.
—Reena Devi, ARTnews.com, 17 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for trough 
David Faris, Newsweek, 10 July 2024
In other words, what’s worrisome isn’t just the daytime peaks but also the nighttime troughs.
—Kylie Mohr, The Atlantic, 22 June 2024
The basins’ deep troughs plunge down 2,600 feet and are surrounded by sills that discourage mixing with more oxygenated waters.
—Douglas Main, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 July 2024
While Singapore’s gallery scene has witnessed its fair share of peaks and troughs, Tang is launching its new space during an interesting time for the city’s art scene.
—Reena Devi, ARTnews.com, 17 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for trough
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trough.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near trough
Cite this Entry
“Trough.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trough. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
trough
noun1
: 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)
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