trade-in

1 of 2

noun

: 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

Examples of trade-in 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.
Noun
Save your car seat for the next Target car seat trade-in event. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026 Simply fill out the trade-in form to get an estimate on your product’s eligibility and credit value. Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
He was traded in 2025 to the Chargers and has since re-signed with the Los Angeles franchise on a one-year deal. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026 After the league’s commercial backers have called dibs, the postseason avails begin trading in the upfront; whatever’s left is sold in scatter, and nearly always at a premium over the prices set in the spring bazaar. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trade-in

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1915, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of trade-in was in 1891

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Trade-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trade-in. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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

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