trade-in

1 of 2

noun

: an item of merchandise (such as an automobile or refrigerator) taken as payment or part payment for a purchase

trade in

2 of 2

verb

traded in; trading in; trades in

transitive verb

1
: to turn in as payment or part payment for a purchase or bill
trade the old car in on a new one
2

Examples of trade-in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
As more EVs make their way into the used car market through organic pathways like lease returns and trade-ins, the supply of affordable EVs will continue to grow in 2025. Stacy Noblet, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025 Carrier deals and trade-ins could help lower the cost of the iPhone 16e, though. Joe Hindy, PCMAG, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
Besides, Abrahamian noted, the trade in golden visas from places like Portugal and Malta, both E.U. member states, has been going on for long enough that most ultra-rich people who want one already have one. Felix Salmon, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025 Instead, Thomas, who was acquired in a four-team trade in January after spending the first 11 years of her WNBA career with the Connecticut Sun, discussed her excitement for playing alongside Kahleah Copper and Satou Sabally. Ben Pickman, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trade-in

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1915, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of trade-in was in 1891

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Trade-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trade-in. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

trade-in

1 of 2 noun
ˈtrād-ˌin
: something given in trade usually as part payment for a purchase

trade in

2 of 2 verb
(ˈ)trād-ˈin
: to turn in as a payment or part payment for a purchase

More from Merriam-Webster on trade-in

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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