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

The pop-up offers device diagnostics, screen repairs, cleaning services, and trade-in options. —Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 4 Oct. 2025

Apple’s newest iPhone 17 and Air models, Jim has said, are huge bargains because of trade-in values combined with incentives from cellular providers like T-Mobile and Verizon . —Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025

Verb

After a stretch of heat, the first cool weekend in October is finally here — time to trade in the t-shirts for hoodies. —Stephanie Stremplewski, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Oct. 2025

For those who are ready to trade in their simple drip coffee set up for something a bit more advanced, Seattle Coffee Gear is a great independent retailer for coffee-brewing appliances and accessories. —Melissa Knific, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025

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
• underpin
• violin
• akin
• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin
• deerskin

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