trade up

verb

traded up; trading up; trades up

intransitive verb

1
: to trade in (something, such as an automobile) for something more expensive or valuable of its kind
2
: to stock or purchase higher-priced items

Examples of trade up 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.
That left room for growth as consumers began trading up. Asaf Elia-Shalev, Sun Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2026 Whether that be the trade market or trading up for Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles in the draft, there will need to be a big move made to lock up that gaping hole. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2026 Crude oil futures surging over 100% in recent weeks trading up to $119 has pushed the S & P 500 lower. Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2026 San Francisco trades up to try to find an heir apparent to Trent Williams. Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trade up

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of trade up was in 1905

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trade up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trade%20up. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

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