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

Chinese leaders have sought to boost consumer spending through various initiatives, including trade-in subsidies for autos and home appliances. — ABC News, 13 July 2026

Apple could still handle the iPhone differently by raising only Pro model prices, adjusting storage tiers, leaning on carrier promotions or pushing trade-in offers harder to soften the blow. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026

Verb

Canha, whose most recent major-league game was last year, traded in his bat and glove for some new gear, at least temporarily. — Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026

China’s exports in the second quarter surged 27%, exceeding analyst expectations off strong trade in semiconductors and computer parts. — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 15 July 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