1
a
: a card of a suit any of whose cards will win over a card that is not of this suit
called also trump card
b
: the suit whose cards are trumps for a particular hand
—often used in plural
2
: a decisive overriding factor or final resource
called also trump card
3
: a dependable and exemplary person
trumped; trumping; trumps
1
: to get the better of : override
where ambition invariably trumps loyalty—
Michael Kramer
Michael Kramer2
: to play a trump on (a card or trick) when another suit was led
: to play a trump when another suit was led
1
a
: trumpet
b
chiefly Scotland
: jew's harp
2
: a sound of or as if of trumpeting
the trump of doom
Examples of trump in a Sentence
Verb
She trumped my ace to win the trick.
Their offer for the house was trumped by a higher bid.
The need for blood donors trumps all other concerns.
Recent Examples on the Web
Matthew Roberts, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
But a desire for rapid change does not trump maintaining our democracy.
—Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025
Casino magnate Steve Wynn promptly trumped the president and gave $1 million to the club as did two other billionaires.
—Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2025
If not, here’s a short synopsis: Green absolutely bulldozed a top tackle prospect in Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr.
Now Conerly certainly bounced back at Thursday’s final practice but the point is clear: talent always trumps school prestige.
—C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 1 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for trump
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
In tax controversy and litigation matters, sometimes procedure trumps the merits.
—Matthew Roberts, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
But a desire for rapid change does not trump maintaining our democracy.
—Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025
Casino magnate Steve Wynn promptly trumped the president and gave $1 million to the club as did two other billionaires.
—Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2025
If not, here’s a short synopsis: Green absolutely bulldozed a top tackle prospect in Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr.
Now Conerly certainly bounced back at Thursday’s final practice but the point is clear: talent always trumps school prestige.
—C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 1 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for trump
Cite this Entry
“Trump.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trump. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
trump
1 of 2 noun1
: a card of a suit any of whose cards will win over a card that is of a different suit
also
: the suit whose cards are trumps for a particular hand
—often used in plural
2
trump
2 of 2 verb1
: to take with a trump
trump another player's card
2
: to play a trump
3
: to get the better of : outdo
trumped her competitors
Biographical Definition
Trump
biographical name
Donald J(ohn) 1946– American businessman and politician; 45th and 47th president of the U.S. (2017–21; 2025- )
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share