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trump

noun (1)
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\ ˈtrəmp How to pronounce trump (audio) \

Definition of trump

 (Entry 1 of 3)

1a : a card of a suit any of whose cards will win over a card that is not of this suit

— called also trump card

b : the suit whose cards are trumps for a particular hand —often used in plural
2 : a decisive overriding factor or final resource

— called also trump card

3 : a dependable and exemplary person

trump

verb
trumped; trumping; trumps

Definition of trump (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : to get the better of : override where ambition invariably trumps loyalty— Michael Kramer
2 : to play a trump on (a card or trick) when another suit was led

intransitive verb

: to play a trump when another suit was led

trump

noun (2)

Definition of trump (Entry 3 of 3)

1a : trumpet
b chiefly Scotland : jew's harp
2 : a sound of or as if of trumpeting the trump of doom
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Examples of trump in a Sentence

Verb She trumped my ace to win the trick. Their offer for the house was trumped by a higher bid. The need for blood donors trumps all other concerns.

First Known Use of trump

Noun (1)

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1586, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for trump

Noun (1)

alteration of triumph entry 1

Noun (2)

Middle English trompe, from Anglo-French trumpe, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German trumba, trumpa trumpet

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Time Traveler for trump

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The first known use of trump was in the 14th century

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Dictionary Entries Near trump

trumeau

trump

Trump

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Cite this Entry

“Trump.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trump. Accessed 13 Aug. 2022.

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Trump biographical name

\ ˈtrəmp How to pronounce Trump (audio) \

Definition of Trump

Donald J(ohn) 1946–     American businessman and politician; 45th president of the U.S. (2017–21)

More from Merriam-Webster on trump

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for trump

Nglish: Translation of trump for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of trump for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trump

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