trader

noun

trad·​er ˈtrā-dər 

1

: a person whose business is buying and selling or barter: such as

a

: merchant

b

: a person who buys and sells (something, such as stocks or commodities futures) in search of short-term profits

2

: a ship engaged in the coastal or foreign trade

Synonyms

• dealer
• merchandiser
• merchant
• tradesman
• trafficker

Examples of trader in a Sentence

She is a stock trader.

early explorers and fur traders

Recent Examples on the Web

The intensifying trade war between the U.S. and China has hurt the equity outlook for both countries, as traders brace for what could be a painful and drawn out negotiating process. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025

His bill would create a Connecticut Electricity Procurement Authority composed of energy traders who would search energy markets daily for favorable price fluctuations. —Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 16 Apr. 2025

The lack of clarity about Trump’s trade policy has kept traders in the dark about how to best position their investments — and raised concerns about US economic growth. —John Towfighi, CNN Money, 14 Apr. 2025

Market volatility and economic uncertainty combine to make everyone more vulnerable to fraud, from expert traders to regular folks who rarely think about their portfolios except when fear is on the rise. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing trader

• day trader
• free trader

Rhymes for trader

• aider
• fader
• grader
• kadir
• nadir
• prader
• raider
• schrader
• seder
• shader
• crusader
• invader

Kids Definition

trader

noun

trad·​er ˈtrād-ər 

1

: a person who trades

2

: a ship engaged in trade