Definitions

1. noun

a long, narrow ditch or depression in the ground, typically for military purposes or for excavation, or a deep cut in a coastline, riverbank, or mountain

“The soldiers dug a trench to protect themselves from enemy fire.”

2. verb

to dig or excavate a trench

“The workers are trenching the pipe to install it underground.”

3. verb

to cut or wear away a surface, especially a coastline or a riverbank

“The sea is trenching the cliffs, creating new beaches.”