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.

The building was exposed, its only defence hand-dug trenches.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 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

“It’s something that we’ve been at, in the trenches, for months. We started preparations around seven or eight months ago and once you decide to go public, that’s the goal.”

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Most other moms I talked to when I was in the breastfeeding trenches were probably experiencing a dopamine dip that was subtle and regulated.

From Slate • Mar. 15, 2026

The lawn is cut with trenches for people to jump in when Hitler’s bombs start falling.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin