Trench vs. Ditch — What's the Difference?

A trench is a type of excavation or depression in the ground that is generally deeper than it is wide (as opposed to a wider gully, or ditch), and narrow compared with its length (as opposed to a simple hole or pit).In geology, trenches result from erosion by rivers or by geological movement of tectonic plates. In civil engineering, trenches are often created to install underground utilities such as gas, water, power and communication lines.

A ditch is a small to moderate divot created to channel water. A ditch can be used for drainage, to drain water from low-lying areas, alongside roadways or fields, or to channel water from a more distant source for plant irrigation.

A long, narrow ditch

A long narrow trench or furrow dug in the ground, as for irrigation, drainage, or a boundary line.

A long, narrow, deep depression in the ocean bed, typically one running parallel to a plate boundary and marking a subduction zone

To dig or make a long narrow trench or furrow in.

A trench coat.

To surround with a long narrow trench or furrow.

Dig a trench or trenches in (the ground)

To drive (a vehicle) into a long narrow trench, as one beside a road.

Border closely on; encroach on

To derail (a train).

A deep furrow or ditch.

To get rid of; discard

A long narrow ditch embanked with its own soil and used for concealment and protection in warfare.

To get away from (a person, especially a companion).

A long, steep-sided valley on the ocean floor.

To discontinue use of or association with

To dig or make a trench or trenches in (land or an area, for example).

To skip (class or school).

To place in a trench

To crash-land (an aircraft) on water.

To dig a trench or trenches.

To dig a ditch.

To encroach. Often used with on or upon

To crash-land in water. Used of an aircraft or a pilot.

To verge or border. Often used with on or upon

A trench; a long, shallow indentation, as for irrigation or drainage.

A long, narrow ditch or hole dug in the ground.

(Ireland) A raised bank of earth and the hedgerow on top.

(military) A narrow excavation as used in warfare, as a cover for besieging or emplaced forces.

Alternative form of deech

(archaeology) A pit, usually rectangular with smooth walls and floor, excavated during an archaeological investigation.

(transitive) To discard or abandon.

(informal) A trench coat.

To deliberately crash-land an airplane on water.

To invade, especially with regard to the rights or the exclusive authority of another; to encroach.

(ambitransitive) To deliberately not attend classes; to play hookey.

To excavate an elongated pit for protection of soldiers and or equipment, usually perpendicular to the line of sight toward the enemy.

(intransitive) To dig ditches.

(archaeology) To excavate an elongated and often narrow pit.

(transitive) To dig ditches around.

To have direction; to aim or tend.

(transitive) To throw into a ditch.

To cut; to form or shape by cutting; to make by incision, hewing, etc.

Alternative form of deech

To cut furrows or ditches in.

A trench made in the earth by digging, particularly a trench for draining wet land, for guarding or fencing inclosures, or for preventing an approach to a town or fortress. In the latter sense, it is called also a moat or a fosse.

To dig or cultivate very deeply, usually by digging parallel contiguous trenches in succession, filling each from the next.

Any long, narrow receptacle for water on the surface of the earth.

To cut; to form or shape by cutting; to make by incision, hewing, or the like.

To dig a ditch or ditches in; to drain by a ditch or ditches; as, to ditch moist land.

To fortify by cutting a ditch, and raising a rampart or breastwork with the earth thrown out of the ditch; to intrench.

To surround with a ditch.

To cut furrows or ditches in; as, to trench land for the purpose of draining it.

To throw into a ditch; as, the engine was ditched and turned on its side.

To dig or cultivate very deeply, usually by digging parallel contiguous trenches in succession, filling each from the next; as, to trench a garden for certain crops.

To dig a ditch or ditches.

To encroach; to intrench.

A long narrow excavation in the earth

To have direction; to aim or tend.

Any small natural waterway

A long, narrow cut in the earth; a ditch; as, a trench for draining land.

Forsake;

An alley; a narrow path or walk cut through woods, shrubbery, or the like.

Throw away;

An excavation made during a siege, for the purpose of covering the troops as they advance toward the besieged place. The term includes the parallels and the approaches.

Sever all ties with, usually unceremoniously or irresponsibly;

A ditch dug as a fortification having a parapet of the excavated earth

Make an emergency landing on water

A long steep-sided depression in the ocean floor

Crash or crash-land;

Any long ditch cut in the ground

Cut a trench in, as for drainage;

Impinge or infringe upon;

Fortify by surrounding with trenches;

Cut or carve deeply into;

Set, plant, or bury in a trench;

Cut a trench in, as for drainage;

Dig a trench or trenches;