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
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.
Responding to the Chiefs’ pick, the Bills traded up two spots to No. 23 and grabbed Kaiir Elam. Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2025 The Carolina Panthers traded up with the Bears in 2023 from pick No. 9 to No. 1 to take Bryce Young. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2025 Shortly after going viral for her assortment of Hermès bag charms, Dua Lipa traded up with Prada’s $6,000 buckle bag. Kelsey Stiegman, Vogue, 13 Jan. 2025 The Chargers traded up to the second pick in the second round to draft McConkey, a standout from the University of Georgia. Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for trade up 

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of trade up was in 1905

Dictionary Entries Near trade up

Cite this Entry

“Trade up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trade%20up. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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