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

Prices for more realistic trade-ins are almost as impressive, though, especially compared to Amazon’s numbers. — Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Parents should consider taking advantage of trade-in programs offered by several large retailers. — Kristine Lazar, CBS News, 31 July 2026

Verb

Historically, the Jewish community played a major role in the spice trade in Kochi, a hub for black pepper, cardamom and nutmeg. — ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026

After the April 1999 occurrence, over the next seven months, the S & P 500 traded in a wide sideways range that included a roughly 10% drawdown. — Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026

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
• superfine
• underpin
• vietminh
• violin
• akin
• auxin
• buckskin

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