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

The $30 credit applies automatically at checkout on a Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra or Fold8, on top of up to $1,230 in total savings once trade-in value is factored in. — Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

In an effort to boost spending, China launched a nationwide trade-in subsidy program in 2024, encouraging consumers to trade in old goods for new ones. — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 20 July 2026

Verb

Trump called the Boston Red Sox trade of Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees the worst trade in the history of sports. — Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2026

Between 2018 and 2023, job postings for skilled trades in energy grew by roughly 40% annually; in solar, by 65%. — Elena Bou, Forbes.com, 22 July 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