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
Additionally, vendors must embrace robust recycling initiatives, trade-in programs and ethical sourcing practices to minimize waste and dependency on conflict minerals, fostering a circular economy that benefits both the planet and their businesses. David Joosten, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 For this year, the top leadership pledged to make boosting domestic consumption a top priority while expanding fiscal spending to fund the consumer goods trade-in and equipment upgrade policy. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) stated overnight that the legacy trade in subsidy program has led to 6.8 million cars exchanged, 62.6 million appliances, and 1.3 million electric bicycles, as total sales exceeding RMB 1.3 trillion, which added 1% to 2024 retail sales. Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 But as the front office brainstorms options — frontcourt, backcourt, picks versus players — for potential trades in the coming weeks, this is an interesting name to add to the debate. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 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 28 Jan. 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
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