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
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 international community has been closely watching the situation, with diplomats warning of the potential for wider conflict and disruption to global trade routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025 There are around 40,000 American troops in the Middle East, a powerful presence that aims to protect U.S. interests, including trade routes. / Cbs News, CBS News, 15 June 2025 The Iraqi militias occasionally struck bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria, while Yemen’s Houthis fired at vessels in the Red Sea, a crucial global trade route, and began targeting Israel. Abby Sewell, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025 As a leading oil importer, the United States had aligned with other energy-consuming countries in securing maritime trade routes, stabilizing markets, and supporting international institutions. Michael L. Ross, Foreign Affairs, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for trade route

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of trade route was in 1828

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trade route.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trade%20route. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

trade route

noun
1
: one of the sea-lanes used by merchant ships
2
: a route followed by traders (as in caravans)

More from Merriam-Webster on trade route

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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