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.
Moments earlier in a green room in Pittsburgh, Makai Lemon’s agent raced over to tell him the Eagles had traded up for him right before the Steelers were about to use the 21st pick. Mike Defabo, New York Times, 1 June 2026 Last June, the Lightning traded up in the fourth round to select Rautiainen with the 108th overall pick. Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2026 Shares of Google-owner Alphabet are trading up 25% since the beginning of the year. Sean Conlon,lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 28 May 2026 The head coach also talked about rookie Caleb Lomu, the offensive tackle who New England traded up to draft in the first round. Matt Schooley, CBS News, 27 May 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 4 Jun. 2026.

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