trench

The word “trench” means a long, narrow ditch dug into the ground, whether by machines, tools, or natural erosion. In plain terms, a long narrow ditch — either a practical one dug for pipes or drainage, or a defensive one dug by soldiers.

“Trench” is pronounced TREHNCH (/ˈtɹɛnt͡ʃ/ in IPA).

Here is “trench” used in a sentence: “Workers dug a trench to lay the new water pipe.”

Depending on how it is used, “trench” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “trench” comes from Old French. Borrowed from Old French trenche, from trenchier, "to cut" — the same French root that gave English trench also produced trench coat and, distantly, truncate.

“Trench” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Trench” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long, narrow ditch dug into the ground, whether by machines, tools, or natural erosion.

A trench is generally a long, narrow excavation, which can be dug by machines, tools, or natural erosion, and is often associated with military defense or utility work, while a ditch usually refers to a simpler channel dug for drainage. In military contexts specifically, a trench is a deep, narrow defensive excavation used by soldiers in war, a sense a plain ditch does not carry.

As a verb, to trench means to dig a long, narrow ditch, as in 'workers trenched the field to lay new pipes.' This usage is common in construction, agriculture, and utility work.

Trench warfare refers to a style of combat built around deep, narrow defensive ditches dug by soldiers, historically associated with static, dug-in fighting positions. The term draws directly on the military sense of trench as a defensive excavation used in war.