trenches

NOUN

ditch, channel dug in earth

Synonyms

STRONGEST

dike foxhole gorge gully moat pit trough waterway

STRONG

arroyo canal cut depression drain drill dugout earthwork entrenchment excavation fosse furrow gulch gutter hollow main rut sink tube

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Whether or not you pursue sleep training for the imperfect strategy that it is, there’s a ray of hope for anyone struggling through the trenches of nighttime wake-ups.

From Slate • May 3, 2026

She said: "Substantial protective measures were installed, including the erection of walls and the digging of trenches to mitigate the impact of any detonation and reduce ground shock."

From BBC • May 1, 2026

Pretzel’s lore intensified amid the Siege of Vienna in 1529, when the Ottoman Empire attempted to capture the city by digging extensive lines of trenches.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

Asked who has stood out in the trenches, Chesney cited Aiden Gobaira, Julian Armella and Riley Robell.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

I can guaran-damn-tee you, these trenches won’t be found on any map after the war is over.

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool