trade route

noun

1

: one of the sea-lanes ordinarily used by merchant ships

2

: a route followed by traders (as in caravans)

Examples of trade route in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Still, this alternative trade route could stand to benefit China. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026

Trade routes such as the East-West pipeline in Saudi Arabia depend on export via tankers in the Red Sea, some analysts said, meaning any potential escalation of fighting in that area could shut off its viability as an alternative trade route. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026

Reuters Tehran says the key trade route will not reopen until its demands are met. — Alexander Smith, NBC news, 14 Aug. 2026

The empire also expanded the yam, an extended network of postal and supply stations along major trade routes. — Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for trade route

• absolute
• arrowroot
• attribute
• bitterroot
• constitute
• convolute
• destitute
• disrepute
• dissolute
• execute
• institute
• involute

Kids Definition

trade route

noun

1

: one of the sea-lanes used by merchant ships

2

: a route followed by traders (as in caravans)