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
Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
Late-season success during the 10-race playoffs often trumps season-long consistency.
—Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2025
The Navy has repeatedly and broadly invoked the federal Privacy Act as a reason to withhold military court records, a law ProPublica argues does not apply because the act does not trump the First Amendment or permit blanket sealing of court records.
—Ziva Branstetter, ProPublica, 29 Jan. 2025
Over the past six games, though, Sarr has been shooting 50% from the field, and the 1.6 blocks per game on the season trumps the 0.8 from JV.
—Stan Son, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for trump
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Verb
In an era where the online identity of a business trumps everything else, organizations are realizing that premium domains now are a part of strategic investments.
—Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
Late-season success during the 10-race playoffs often trumps season-long consistency.
—Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2025
The Navy has repeatedly and broadly invoked the federal Privacy Act as a reason to withhold military court records, a law ProPublica argues does not apply because the act does not trump the First Amendment or permit blanket sealing of court records.
—Ziva Branstetter, ProPublica, 29 Jan. 2025
Over the past six games, though, Sarr has been shooting 50% from the field, and the 1.6 blocks per game on the season trumps the 0.8 from JV.
—Stan Son, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 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 27 Feb. 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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