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.
Jones hasn’t cracked the rotation yet, but Denver traded up into the third round to draft him in 2025. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2026 Meta shares took a tumble at market open just after the settlement was announced but recovered and are currently trading up about 3% at $587. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026 Delane, whom the Chiefs traded up to select, started and played three defensive series. — Jeff Fedotin, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 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 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

Rhymes for trade up

See All Rhymes for trade up

Browse Nearby Words

trade unionist
trade up
tradevman
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trade up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trade%20up. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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