Trickling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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trickling

[ˈtrɪkəlɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

water flowing slowly in a thin stream

To trickle means to flow or fall in drops or in a small quantity. It is often used to describe the movement of water in a slow, steady stream. The action is gentle and continuous, creating a soothing effect.

Synonyms

drip, drizzle, flow, seep.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
trickling	When water or another liquid moves slowly and irregularly in small amounts. Often used to describe a light and intermittent movement. The rain started trickling down the windowpane. I could hear the water trickling from the bathroom faucet.
flow	When a liquid, gas, or electricity moves smoothly and continuously in one direction. This word implies a consistent and often larger movement. The river flows gently through the valley. Blood flows through your veins.
drip	Used when a small drop or continued small drops fall from a surface. Usually describes a repetitive and steady falling. The tap won't stop dripping. I felt a drip of water on my head from the leaky roof.
drizzle	Describes light rain or the act of pouring a small stream of liquid over something, often used in culinary contexts. It started to drizzle just before we reached home. Drizzle some olive oil over the salad before serving.
seep	Indicates that a liquid slowly passes through small openings. Often used to imply an unwanted or unnoticed movement. Water started to seep through the cracks in the wall. The smell of gas seeped into the room.

Examples of usage

The water trickled down the rocks, creating a peaceful sound.
Tears trickled down her cheeks as she listened to the sad story.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

small flow of liquid

As a noun, trickling refers to a small flow of liquid. It can be used to describe the gentle movement of water or any other liquid in a slow and continuous manner.

Synonyms

drip, flow, stream, trickle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
trickling	Used to describe a gentle, slow flow of liquid, often used when something is leaking or moving slowly. Water was trickling down the wall from the leaky roof. Sweat was trickling down his forehead after the long run.
stream	Used to describe a continuous, steady flow of liquid, often used for natural water bodies or for streaming data/multimedia. The mountain stream was cool and clear. We watched the movie on a live stream.
drip	Used to describe single drops of liquid falling slowly. Often associated with leaking faucets or small, steady drops. The faucet kept dripping despite trying to tighten it. She could hear the drip of rainwater from the ceiling.
trickle	Usually describes a very small, slow flow of liquid. Can also be used metaphorically to describe a slow, small amount of something. A trickle of water ran down the sidewalk. The news started to trickle in slowly.
flow	Describes a continuous movement of liquid, often used for larger amounts of liquid. Can also describe steady, continuous movement or progress in general. The river flows smoothly through the valley. Traffic flow was uninterrupted during the holiday season.

Examples of usage

A trickling of sweat ran down his forehead after the intense workout.
The trickling of raindrops on the window was a soothing sound.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Nature

Trickling water is often found in streams, where it creates soothing sounds and helps to form habitats for wildlife.
Certain plants thrive in trickling water environments, developing specialized roots to absorb moisture effectively.
The sound of trickling water is often associated with tranquility, which is why many people use water features in gardens.

Psychology

Research shows that the sound of trickling water can reduce stress and promote relaxation for many individuals.
Some studies suggest that listening to trickling sounds from nature can enhance focus and creativity.
The trickle of water has been linked to a calming effect that can help individuals in times of anxiety or distress.

Art

Artists often represent trickling water in paintings to convey themes of motion and serenity.
Poets use the imagery of trickling water to symbolize the passage of time and fleeting moments.
In film, the sound of trickling water is frequently used in scenes of contemplation or peace to evoke emotions.

Everyday Use

Trickling can be seen in various daily tasks, such as when you wash hands or when rainwater drips from a roof.
In cooking, a trickle of oil often indicates a precise amount being added for flavor or texture.
The term 'trickling' is also used in finance to describe slow, gradual changes, such as when income increases little by little.

Origin of 'trickling'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Middle English term 'triklen', which means 'to flow in a small stream'.
Its roots trace back to the Old English word 'triclian', meaning 'to run in drops'.
The suffix '-ling' often denotes something small or young in English, giving 'trickling' a sense of gentle movement.

The word 'trickling' originates from the Middle English word 'triklen', which means to flow in a small stream. Over time, the word evolved to 'trickling' in modern English, retaining its original meaning of a slow and steady flow of liquid. The concept of trickling has been associated with gentle movements and soothing sounds, making it a commonly used word in describing the peaceful flow of water or other liquids.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,563, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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20560 nick
20561 diluting
20562 gloriously
20563 trickling
20564 philanthropist
20565 gentlemanly
20566 egregious
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