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.
The Rockets are allowed to trade up to four of their own firsts, starting the first night of the 2026 draft. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 15 June 2026 After trading up to select him in the first round, the Pats hoped Lomu, a college left tackle, would develop into their starting right tackle sooner rather than later. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026 The seven-man draft class — which began with a trade up for Broderick Jones and ended with a seventh-round flier on versatile offensive lineman Spencer Anderson — will always hold a special place in team history as the first assembled with Khan in the GM chair. Mike Defabo, New York Times, 10 June 2026 Legette had a solid rookie season in 2024 after the Panthers traded up to select him in the first round of that year’s draft. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trade up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trade%20up. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

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