trend

[trend]

noun

1. the general course or prevailing tendency; drift.

   trends in the teaching of foreign languages; the trend of events.

2. style or vogue.

   the new trend in women's apparel.

3. the general direction followed by a road, river, coastline, or the like.

verb (used without object)

1. to have a general tendency, as events, conditions, etc.

2. to tend to take a particular direction; extend in some direction indicated.

   Synonyms: incline, run, stretch

3. to emerge as a popular trend; be currently popular.

   words that have trended this year.

4. Digital Technology.,  to be widely mentioned or discussed on the internet, especially in posts on social media websites.

   news stories that are trending online.

5. to veer or turn off in a specified direction, as a river, mountain range, etc..

   The river trends toward the southeast.

trend

/ trɛnd /

noun

1. general tendency or direction

2. fashion; mode

verb

1. to take a certain trend

Other Word Forms

• countertrend noun
• subtrend noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of trend¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English trenden “to turn, roll,” Old English trendan; akin to Old English trinde “ball,” Dutch trent “circumference,” Swedish trind “round;” trindle, trundle

Word History and Origins

Origin of trend¹

Old English trendan to turn; related to Middle Low German trenden

Synonym Study

See tendency.

Example Sentences

The Tokyo figures are considered an early indicator of nationwide trends.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The latest inflation print for the Tokyo metropolitan area—an early indicator of nationwide trends—showed a key gauge of price growth remained above the BOJ’s target.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Shares of payroll processors, staffing firms, and the like—companies that often lead employment trends—have begun to weaken.

Read more on Barron's

Shares of payroll processors, staffing firms, and the like—companies that often lead employment trends—have begun to weaken.

Read more on Barron's

Shares of payroll processors, staffing firms, and the like—companies that often lead employment trends—have begun to weaken.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• direction 
• movement 
• tendency