1
a
: 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
trumped; trumping; trumps
1
: to get the better of : override
where ambition invariably trumps loyalty—
Michael Kramer
Michael Kramer2
: to play a trump on (a card or trick) when another suit was led
: to play a trump when another suit was led
1
a
: trumpet
b
chiefly Scotland
: jew's harp
2
: a sound of or as if of trumpeting
the trump of doom
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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
And ultimately, his own self-interest will always trump your feelings, priorities, and safety.
—Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 28 June 2025
However, it was later noted that Nas actually trumps Jones in many of the aforementioned categories, particularly the Billboard charts, as Jones’ resume pales in comparison to that of Esco.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 23 June 2025
Even the good intentions of central planners can’t trump the wisdom of the marketplace.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for trump
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Verb
Former employees describe a workplace culture where terror trumped creativity; where Wintour’s personal whims superseded professional judgment.
—Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
And ultimately, his own self-interest will always trump your feelings, priorities, and safety.
—Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 28 June 2025
However, it was later noted that Nas actually trumps Jones in many of the aforementioned categories, particularly the Billboard charts, as Jones’ resume pales in comparison to that of Esco.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 23 June 2025
Even the good intentions of central planners can’t trump the wisdom of the marketplace.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for trump
Cite this Entry
“Trump.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trump. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
trump
1 of 2 noun1
: a card of a suit any of whose cards will win over a card that is of a different suit
also
: the suit whose cards are trumps for a particular hand
—often used in plural
2
trump
2 of 2 verb1
: to take with a trump
trump another player's card
2
: to play a trump
3
: to get the better of : outdo
trumped her competitors
Biographical Definition
Trump
biographical name
Donald J(ohn) 1946– American businessman and politician; 45th and 47th president of the U.S. (2017–21; 2025- )
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