trough

noun

ˈtrȯf How to pronounce trough (audio)
Definition of troughnext
1
as in pipe
a long hollow cylinder for carrying a substance (as a liquid or gas) all of the wiring for the converted residential loft is concealed in a vertical trough

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2
as in ditch
a long narrow channel dug in the earth I slid and fell into the trough by the side of the road, scraping my leg

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in gutter
a pipe or channel for carrying off water from a roof the troughs on the eaves of the house were clogged with leaves

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of trough This smear is described mathematically by a wave function which, like a classical wave, has peaks and troughs. — Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 23 Sep. 2026 Trotter’s team had prepped the property with water troughs and alfalfa hay, which drew in the animals. — Ingfei Chen, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026 At the same time, another upper-level trough will move into the West, helping pull monsoon moisture northward into the Southern High Plains next week. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026 For water that cannot be emptied, such as horse troughs or ponds, consider adding mosquito dunks containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, or Bti. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 12 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trough
  1. pipe
  2. ditch
  3. gutter
  4. conduit
  5. trench
  6. tube
  7. ravine
  8. funnel
Noun
  • In other words, intruders overran the building to steal copper pipes.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • On the other hand, if the probability, p, is high that a particular pipe is open, θ(p) takes on a larger value.
    — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of pipe
Noun
  • Perez drove away, lost control of his vehicle, crashed into a ditch and didn’t call police to report the crash, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Helen watched the ditches for pheasants but again there weren’t any.
    — Tom Drury, Harpers Magazine, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of ditch
Noun
  • Sand-like granules collecting in gutters, curling or missing shingles, brittle or cracking shingles, sagging sections and indoor leaks or ceiling stains are the standard indicators that a roof is failing.
    — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Mosquitoes need only one tablespoon of water to breed, so areas like rain gutters, birdbaths or buckets with stagnant water are all possible breeding sites.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of gutter
Noun
  • That included the East-West Pipeline, the main conduit Saudi Arabia has used to circumvent Iranian and American closures of the Strait of Hormuz.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Lady Kitty Spencer served as the conduit who accepted the award on behalf of the fashion house.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of conduit
Noun
  • There, trenches, benches, niches and other architectural devices are carved into the floor and walls—adding to the drama of the paintings covering the walls.
    — Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Its move past bohemian into bombers, blazers, trenches and zip-ups signals a category shift, not a seasonal moment, and the chocolate-brown palette flagged by Yahoo Shopping is neutral enough to carry into spring.
    — Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of trench
Noun
  • Volcanologists could use the technology to map internal magma chambers and lava tubes to help predict eruptions.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Rent a bike from University Bikes or B-Cycle and ride the paved path, or just walk down and watch people tube, fish and wade in the creek itself.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of tube
Noun
  • The National Park and World Biosphere Reserve affords nearly 10 miles to hike amid towering ravine walls, flowing streams, and dense forests.
    — Jennifer Tzeses, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Many more were imperiled by muddy water racing through the narrow ravines, sparking frantic rescue missions for dozens.
    — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of ravine
Noun
  • As the pace of SpaceX launches accelerate, manufacturing these parts becomes a high-volume revenue funnel for Applied Aerospace.
    — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Spring 2027 ready-to-wear collections from Philo and other minimalist labels, where the funnel neck will either return or get replaced 3.
    — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of funnel

Phrases Containing trough

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troublous
trough
troughs
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Cite this Entry

“Trough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trough. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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