tradecraft

noun

trade·​craft ˈtrād-ˌkraft How to pronounce tradecraft (audio)
: the techniques and procedures of espionage

Examples of tradecraft 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 well-resourced group has been active for years in attacks that showcase its ability to procure exploits and execute fairly sophisticated tradecraft. Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2025 The tradecraft behind the malicious app industry is fast becoming as much about hiding as attacking. Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025 Was the mission to use tradecraft to gather intelligence, or to use money, propaganda, and violence to shape events? Keith Gessen, New Yorker, 16 July 2025 None of the incidents involved advanced zero day exploits or nation state tradecraft. Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for tradecraft

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tradecraft was in 1961

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Cite this Entry

“Tradecraft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tradecraft. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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