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
Nearly a quarter of trade-ins toward new car purchases are burdened with negative equity. Janae Bowens, Baltimore Sun, 24 Jan. 2025 Those placing a pre-order can look forward to more storage, more colors and more trade-in value. Ewan Spence, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
In one of the most stunning trades in league history, the Mavericks sent Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and Los Angeles’ 2029 first-round draft pick. Ben Morse, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025 Here’s our list of the DFW’s 10 biggest trades in pro sports history: 10. Stefan Stevenson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Feb. 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

Dictionary Entries Near trade-in

Cite this Entry

“Trade-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trade-in. Accessed 9 Feb. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!