trend
Trend (noun) means a general direction in which something is developing or changing over time. Example: “There has been a clear trend toward remote work.”
How to use trend
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA general pattern of change over time, or (informally) something currently popular, especially on social media.
Word forms
trended past tense, trended past tense, trends plural, trends singular, trends singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
There has been a clear _____ toward remote work.
Etymology
From Old English trendan, "to roll about, turn," related to trundle and trindle — the modern sense of a "general direction of change" developed later, in the 19th century.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for trend
See all rhymes for trend →Frequently asked questions
What does “trend” mean?
The word “trend” means a general direction in which something is developing or changing over time. In plain terms, a general pattern of change over time, or (informally) something currently popular, especially on social media.
How do you pronounce “trend”?
“Trend” is pronounced trehnd (/tɹɛnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “trend” in a sentence?
Here is “trend” used in a sentence: “There has been a clear trend toward remote work.”
What part of speech is “trend”?
Depending on how it is used, “trend” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “trend” come from?
The word “trend” dates back to around 1800 and comes from Old English. From Old English trendan, "to roll about, turn," related to trundle and trindle — the modern sense of a "general direction of change" developed later, in the 19th century.
Is “trend” a common word?
“Trend” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “trend” have?
“Trend” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a general direction in which something is developing or changing over time.
What is the difference between a trend and a fad?
A trend is a general direction of change that develops and lasts over a meaningful period, often reshaping how people behave. A fad is a short-lived craze that flares up and fades quickly. Trends have staying power and momentum; fads burn brightly but disappear almost as fast as they arrive.
What are the types of trends?
Trends are often described by direction and length. By direction, they can be upward, downward, or sideways, showing whether something is rising, falling, or holding steady. By duration, they can be short-term, seasonal, or long-term. Analysts use these categories to read markets, fashion, technology, and social behaviour.
What does it mean to 'trend' on social media?
When something 'trends' online, it is a verb meaning a topic, hashtag, or video is suddenly attracting a surge of attention and being shared by many people at once. Platforms list these popular subjects as 'trending,' reflecting what large numbers of users are discussing at that moment.
What is an example of a trend?
The steady rise of remote working is a trend — a lasting shift in how people do their jobs. So is the growing popularity of electric cars. In each case something is moving consistently in one direction over time, rather than changing randomly or only briefly.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include trend: