Trend: meaning, definitions and examples

social media

A general direction in which something is developing or changing. Trends are often driven by social media platforms and influence popular culture.

fad, movement, phenomenon.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
trend	Appears to be an accidental repetition of the first entry. Please refer to the initial 'trend' definition and examples.
fad	Used for something that is very popular for a short period of time and then disappears or loses its appeal. Often has a negative connotation, implying lack of substance or fleeting popularity. The fidget spinner craze was just a fad; you rarely see anyone using them now. Diet trends can often turn out to be mere fads.
phenomenon	Used to describe something that is extraordinary or remarkable, often drawing widespread attention or curiosity. It can be temporary or long-lasting. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that attracts many tourists. The rise of social media influencers is a modern phenomenon.
movement	Used to describe a coordinated effort by a large group of people to create change, often in a social, political, or environmental context. The civil rights movement significantly impacted social policies in the 1960s. The sustainability movement is gaining momentum worldwide.

Examples of usage

• The latest trend on TikTok is dance challenges.

• This fashion brand always stays ahead of the trend.

• Trends can shift quickly in the online world.

social media

To become popular or fashionable. Trending topics or hashtags on social media platforms are often widely discussed and shared by users.

Examples of usage

• The hashtag #ThrowbackThursday is trending on Twitter.

• This song has been trending on Spotify for weeks.

• The video went viral and trended on YouTube.