trade-in

1 of 2

noun

ˈtrād-ˌin How to pronounce trade-in (audio)
Synonyms of trade-innext
: 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
: exchange sense 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
Edmunds says nearly 30% of trade-ins toward new cars were underwater in the second quarter, with people owing an average of almost $7,000 more than their cars were worth. — Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 With a qualified activation and trade-in, AT&T will give you up to $1,100 off the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
Plus, the Devils had an extra first-round pick in 2028 after the Šimon Nemec trade in which New Jersey acquired two firsts, including the one now traded to Nashville. — Peter Baugh, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026 China agrees that there has to be free maritime trade in the Strait of Hormuz. — Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026 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

Rhymes for trade-in

See All Rhymes for trade-in

Browse Nearby Words

trade guild
trade-in
trade in
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trade-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trade-in. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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