First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1trench
noun \ˈtrench\
: a long, narrow hole that is dug in the ground
: a deep, narrow hole in the ground that is used as protection for soldiers
: a long, narrow hole in the ocean floor
Full Definition of TRENCH
1
a : a long cut in the ground : ditch; especially : one used for military defense often with the excavated dirt thrown up in front b plural : a place, position, or level at which an activity is carried on in a manner likened to trench warfare —often used in the phrase in the trenches <activists working in the trenches>
2
: a long, narrow, and usually steep-sided depression in the ocean floor — compare trough
3
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Origin of TRENCH
Middle English trenche track cut through a wood, from Anglo-French, act of cutting, ditch, from trencher, trenchier to cut, probably from Vulgar Latin *trinicare to cut in three, from Latin trini three each — more at trine
2trench
verb
Definition of TRENCH
transitive verb1
: to make a cut in : carve
2
a : to protect with or as if with a trench b : to cut a trench in : ditch
intransitive verb
1
2
: to dig a trench
First Known Use of TRENCH
15th century
TRENCH Defined for Kids
trench
noun \ˈtrench\
Definition of TRENCH for Kids
: a long narrow ditch
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