trend

American  

[trend] / trɛnd /

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.

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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 British  

/ trɛnd /

noun

1. general tendency or direction

2. fashion; mode

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verb

1. to take a certain trend

Related Words

See tendency.

Other Word Forms

• countertrend noun
• subtrend noun

Etymology

Origin of trend

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;” see trindle, trundle

Explanation

A trend is what's hip or popular at a certain point in time. While a trend usually refers to a certain style in fashion or entertainment, there could be a trend toward warmer temperatures (if people are following trends associated with global warming). A trend simply reflects what seems to be going around at any given time. A trend can be in any area and doesn't only reflect fashion, pop culture and entertainment. There can also be a trend in the stock market to be bullish or bearish, depending on economic indicators, or a political trend reflecting a nation’s current mood. Some trends are fun, some fabulous, some appalling, but however long they last, you can be sure there will always be a new trend coming along to replace the old.

Example Sentences

The sudden popularity of the toy prompted companies like tween retailer Claire’s to try to get in on the trend.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

Whereas corporate buybacks acquired 3% of market capitalization for the last decade, Jones warns the trend will reverse and equity supply will boom.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

While the fragmentary style mirrors the internet age, Offill doesn’t necessarily think the trend is permanent.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

In early April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data indicating fertility rates in the U.S. had hit an all-time low, part of a broader downward trend over the last two decades.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

Obviously, that is no more than an average long-term trend, with innumerable shifts in either direction: 1,000 amalgamations for 999 reversals.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Related Words

• direction
• movement
• tendency