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
One of the first deals to land is one from AT&T, which has a limited-time trade-in offer. David Phelan, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 Without a trade-in, Xfinity is offering up to $400 off the phone with a contract. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 13 May 2025
Verb
The European Union is Israel’s biggest trading partner, accounting for roughly a third of its trade in goods. Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 24 May 2025 In terms of sales, roughly 1.2 million square feet traded in early 2025 — a 32.1% drop from late 2024 and 6.3% below the year-ago quarter. Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 22 May 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 28 May. 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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