trickle-up

[ trik-uhl-uhp ]

adjective

1. noting or pertaining to the theory that monetary benefits directed toward small businesses and lower socioeconomic brackets will gradually pass up to big businesses and higher socioeconomic brackets.
2. noting or pertaining to the theory that change and information moves upward in a hierarchy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of trickle-up¹

First recorded in 1950–55; after trickle-down (theory) ( def )

Example Sentences

Finally, even the trickle up of women into power is making a difference.

From The Daily Beast

I sat down, stretched out on my back and let the smoke trickle up.

From Project Gutenberg