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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
In metallurgy, parts taken randomly from production as well as trade-in models can be tested for warranty approval and process quality assurance. New Atlas, 29 Nov. 2025 Jim Cramer has described Apple’s latest flagship device as a huge bargain when considering trade-in values for previous models and carrier subsidies. Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 26 Nov. 2025
Verb
Anyone who brings in something to trade in will receive a $5 trade card that can be used that day or in the future, according to GameStop's website. Julia Gomez, USA Today, 5 Dec. 2025 Or just a reflex mean-reversion trade in some laggard sectors at a time when the AI theme has become more fragmented and treacherous? Michael Santoli, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2025 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 6 Dec. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on trade-in

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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