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

Perhaps the biggest name coming to Minnesota on July 1 was acquired by trade, when the Wild acquired Vladimir Tarasenko from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for future considerations. —Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 21 Jan. 2026

Fernando Graterol is a catcher by trade. —Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026

Attorney Tony McDonald, representing Davis as chair of the local Republican Party, told the judge that without that nepotism acknowledgement, her application was invalid and Davis, who is also an attorney by trade, was required to reject it. —Eleanor Dearman updated January 15, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Jan. 2026

Priorities and Politics Just like last year, Perez, a lawyer by trade, is playing his cards close to the vest. —Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2026

Rhymes for by trade

• afraid
• allayed
• arcade
• arrayed
• assayed
• barmaid
• betrayed
• blockade
• bridesmaid
• brigade
• brocade
• buffeted