trench warfare

American  

noun

1. combat in which each side occupies a system of protective trenches.

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trench warfare British  

noun

1. a type of warfare in which opposing armies face each other in entrenched positions

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trench warfare Cultural  

1. Warfare marked by slow wearing down of the opposing forces and piecemeal gains at heavy cost. The term applies especially to World War I.

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Etymology

Origin of trench warfare

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

His contention that bombing industrial centers would lead to a speedy victory was seen by many as a response to World War I, and the long slog of trench warfare.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

The trench warfare has occasionally been interrupted by flashes of brilliance.

From BBC • Jul. 12, 2025

For draft-eligible men, trench warfare is a harrowing prospect.

From New York Times • Feb. 11, 2024

Defenders typically have advantages over attackers in trench warfare, and the Russian army has had months to dig in.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 8, 2023

Ditches crisscrossed the arena floor in case anyone was in the mood for trench warfare.

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan