trade route

noun

1
: one of the sea-lanes ordinarily used by merchant ships
2
: a route followed by traders (as in caravans)

Examples of trade route 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.
These findings show how trade routes cross internal geographic boundaries and rely on a mix of regional sources, further complicating management. Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 The initials in its name is a reference to Dunhuang, a city once famed for its role in China’s ancient Silk Road trade route. Chris Stokel-Walker, Wired News, 16 Apr. 2025 The discovery includes a silver coin from the time of Alexander the Great and various artifacts, suggesting the city’s importance along trade routes. Stories By Real-Time News Team, With Ai Summarization, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2025 More: Why Trump wants Greenland: Military security, rare minerals, trade routes, for starters What did Islanders get out of the transfer? Michael Loria, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trade route

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of trade route was in 1828

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trade route.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trade%20route. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

trade route

noun
1
: one of the sea-lanes used by merchant ships
2
: a route followed by traders (as in caravans)

More from Merriam-Webster on trade route

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!