trade-in

1 of 2

noun

ˈtrād-ˌin 

: 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

Noun

The retailer’s bi-annual trade-in is happening in stores September 20 through October 3, 2026, and parents get rewarded for participating. — Melissa Willets, Parents, 17 Sep. 2026

These trade-ins could include devices from Apple itself, Google, Motorola, or Samsung that have been active on an account for at least 60 days. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026

Verb

The sides agreed to that trade in late June but didn't complete it until earlier this month, delaying the process because of the NBA's investigation into whether the Clippers circumvented salary cap rules on Leonard's behalf. — ABC News, 22 Sep. 2026

Occupations like air traffic controllers surpass traditional skilled trades in earnings but still require certification or specialized training, a study found. — Danielle Douglas-Gabriel, Washington Post, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1915, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for trade-in

• aneurin
• crystallin
• eosin
• mandolin
• porphyrin
• superfine
• underpin
• vietminh
• violin
• akin
• auxin
• buckskin

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