by trade
idiom
—used when indicating someone's job, especially a job that requires special training and skills and is done by using the hands
I am a carpenter/electrician/beautician by trade.
Examples of by trade in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Priorities and Politics Just like last year, Perez, a lawyer by trade, is playing his cards close to the vest.
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Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2026
Matheson, Carrier and Dobson represented 75 percent of the Canadiens’ top-four defense last game, with Kaiden Guhle out, and all three were acquired by trade.
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
Super utility man Josh Smith, a middle infielder by trade, remains the favorite to win the everyday job.
—Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 9 Jan. 2026
The filing comes as makers of whiskey and other liquor faced a mix of challenges this past year – from Americans cutting back on their alcohol consumption for health and spending reasons to declining exports hampered by trade issues and tariffs.
—Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for by trade
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Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2026
Matheson, Carrier and Dobson represented 75 percent of the Canadiens’ top-four defense last game, with Kaiden Guhle out, and all three were acquired by trade.
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
Super utility man Josh Smith, a middle infielder by trade, remains the favorite to win the everyday job.
—Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 9 Jan. 2026
The filing comes as makers of whiskey and other liquor faced a mix of challenges this past year – from Americans cutting back on their alcohol consumption for health and spending reasons to declining exports hampered by trade issues and tariffs.
—Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for by trade
Cite this Entry
“By trade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20trade. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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