trench Definition
- 1a long, narrow ditch in the ground, especially one used for military defense
- 2a deep furrow in the sea floor
- 3a long, narrow excavation in a forest or other natural area, made to contain water and prevent erosion
Using trench: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "trench" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The soldiers dug a trench to protect themselves from enemy fire.
Example
The Mariana Trench is the deepest part of the ocean.
Example
The park ranger recommended digging a trench to divert the water away from the trail.
trench Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with trench
trench coat
a raincoat with deep pockets and a belt, typically made of gabardine
Example
He wore a beige trench coat over his suit.
trench foot
a medical condition caused by prolonged exposure of the feet to damp, unsanitary, and cold conditions, often experienced by soldiers in trenches during World War I
Example
The soldiers suffered from trench foot due to the wet and muddy conditions in the trenches.
a type of land warfare using occupied fighting lines consisting largely of trenches, in which troops are significantly protected from the enemy's small arms fire and are substantially sheltered from artillery
Example
Trench warfare was a defining feature of World War I.
Origins of trench
from Old French 'trenchier', meaning 'to cut'
Summary: trench in Brief
A 'trench' [trench] is a long, narrow ditch in the ground, often used for military defense, such as 'The soldiers dug a trench to protect themselves from enemy fire.' It can also refer to a deep furrow in the sea floor or a long, narrow excavation in a forest or other natural area. 'Trench' extends into phrases like 'trench coat,' a raincoat with deep pockets and a belt, and 'trench warfare,' a type of land warfare using occupied fighting lines consisting largely of trenches.