/ ˈtrɪkl; NAmE / verb , noun
■ verb
1.
[usually + adv. / prep. ] to flow, or to make sth flow, slowly in a thin stream :
[ v ]
Tears were trickling down her cheeks.
[ vn ]
Trickle some oil over the salad.
2.
[+ adv. / prep. ] to go, or to make sth go, somewhere slowly or gradually :
[ v ]
People began trickling into the hall.
News is starting to trickle out.
[also vn ]
•
PHRASAL VERBS
- trickle down
■ noun
1.
a small amount of liquid, flowing slowly
2.
[ usually sing. ] trickle (of sth) a small amount or number of sth, coming or going slowly :
a steady trickle of visitors
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (as a verb): imitative.