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
Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
Aside from its striking looks, Maltese Falcon trumps on performance, too, with an impressive 24 knots under sail.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 16 Dec. 2024
First, stock dividend income typically trumps bond income.
—Wes Moss, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Yet, inland freshwater flooding and storm surge are often trumped by the wind potential in public facing communication.
—Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for trump 
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Verb
Houston recently tried to trade for St. Louis Cardinals infielder Nolan Arenado, but Arenado reportedly trumped the deal with his no-trade clause.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
Aside from its striking looks, Maltese Falcon trumps on performance, too, with an impressive 24 knots under sail.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 16 Dec. 2024
First, stock dividend income typically trumps bond income.
—Wes Moss, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Yet, inland freshwater flooding and storm surge are often trumped by the wind potential in public facing communication.
—Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for trump
Dictionary Entries Near trump
Cite this Entry
“Trump.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trump. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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 president of the U.S. (2017–21)
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