A trench is a long and narrow ditch or hole, often used for military purposes. It can also refer to a deep and narrow groove or furrow.
You might hear about trenches when learning about wars or battles. For example, during World War I, soldiers dug extensive networks of trenches in the ground as protection from enemy fire. In fact, trenches are still used today by some militaries for training exercises or defensive positions. But the word "trench" isn't just limited to military contexts. It can also describe a deep groove or furrow in the ground, like a trench on a highway where water tends to collect during heavy rain. Additionally, if you work with clay or mud, you might use a type of tool called a trenching spade to create these narrow channels for drainage or other purposes.
How common is "trench"?
Word trench is considered uncommon in modern English. It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
Definitions
noun
A long, narrow ditch or hole dug in the ground.
A narrow excavation as used in warfare, as a cover for besieging or emplaced forces.
A pit, usually rectangular with smooth walls and floor, excavated during an archaeological investigation.
A trench coat.
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verb
(usually followed by upon) To invade, especially with regard to the rights or the exclusive authority of another; to encroach.
(infantry) To excavate an elongated pit for protection of soldiers and or equipment, usually perpendicular to the line of sight toward the enemy.
To excavate an elongated and often narrow pit.
To have direction; to aim or tend.
To cut; to form or shape by cutting; to make by incision, hewing, etc.
To cut furrows or ditches in.
Example: to trench land for the purpose of draining it
To dig or cultivate very deeply, usually by digging parallel contiguous trenches in succession, filling each from the next.