'trickle' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'trikelen', where the root 'trik-' was likely an imitative or frequentative element meaning 'small, quick movements'.

'trikelen' in Middle English developed from earlier Middle English forms such as 'trikele' and eventually became the modern English word 'trickle'.

Initially, it meant 'to fall or flow in drops or small amounts', and over time this basic sense has largely remained in modern usage.