trade name

1 of 2

noun

1

a

: the name used for an article among traders

b

: brand name

2

: the name or style under which a concern does business

trade name

2 of 2

verb

trade named; trade naming; trade names

transitive verb

: to designate with a trade name

Examples of trade name in a Sentence

Noun

Ibuprofen is sold under several trade names.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

These are available at garden centers under a range of trade names. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 May 2026

May constitute copyright infringement, or infringement of a trademark, trade name, service mark, or patent. — Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 28 Feb. 2026

Verb

These are available at garden centers under a range of trade names. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 May 2026

The judge ordered that the child be called Ella instead, noting that the name Nutella was the trade name of a (frankly, delicious) spread. — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1888, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for trade name

• aspartame
• counterclaim
• overcame
• underframe
• username
• acclaim
• aflame
• airframe
• ballgame
• became
• declaim
• defame

Legal Definition

trade name

noun

: a name or mark that is used by a person (as an individual proprietor or a corporation) to identify that person's business or vocation and that may also be used as a trademark or service mark

Note: Like a trademark or service mark, a trade name is protected by law against infringement. A trade name that has been used for at least 6 months can be recorded with the Customs Bureau, and any infringing imports will be barred.