trade up

verb

traded up; trading up; trades up

intransitive verb

1

: to trade in (something, such as an automobile) for something more expensive or valuable of its kind

2

: to stock or purchase higher-priced items

Examples of trade up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Diners are also trading up to fast-casual chains like Cava and Chipotle, which both called out strong growth among lower-end consumers during the latest quarter. — Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

The Chiefs traded up in the 2017 NFL Draft and took Mahomes, who declared for the NFL Draft after his junior season. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2026

Packers coach Matt Lafleur praised the performance of Smack, whom Green Bay traded up in the sixth round to pick in this year's draft. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

The increase may reflect a mix of newcomers trying to get into the sport affordably and longtime anglers trading up secondhand rather than paying full price for new gear. — William Jones, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for trade up

• buttercup
• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup