trade up

verb

traded up; trading up; trades up

intransitive verb

1
: to trade in (something, such as an automobile) for something more expensive or valuable of its kind
2
: to stock or purchase higher-priced items

Examples of trade up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Jaguars traded up to get Hunter in the draft — the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner who starred at Colorado as a wide receiver and cornerback. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2025 The real head-scratcher came Wednesday night when New Orleans traded up from No. 23 to No. 13 with the Atlanta Hawks to take Maryland big man Derik Queen — and gave up a 2026 unprotected first-round pick in the process. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2025 Milton native Casey O’Brien went third overall to the New York Sirens, who traded up to select the University of Wisconsin star. Barry Scanlon, Boston Herald, 25 June 2025 That year, the Blues also traded up to get Dominik Bokk in the first round but were able to package him in a deal with Carolina for Justin Faulk. The Athletic Nhl Staff, New York Times, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for trade up

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of trade up was in 1905

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trade up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trade%20up. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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