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

“This trend is not encouraging for the pursuit of truth in advertising.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Another factor driving the trend is the combined pressure from anxious parents and gaps in medical knowledge.

Read more on BBC

In a statement on Tuesday, Amnesty International said that the junta's use of motorised paragliders to attack communities was part of a "disturbing trend".

Read more on BBC

He encouraged residents to report thefts or other types of crimes to the Police Department to assist in identifying trends or possibly repeat offenders.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Gold will fall at some point, but I believe given the economic environment, it's on an upward trend for a least five years," he said.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• direction 
• movement 
• tendency