trade up

verb

traded up; trading up; trades up

intransitive verb

1
: to trade in (something, such as an automobile) for something more expensive or valuable of its kind
2
: to stock or purchase higher-priced items

Examples of trade up 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.
Nohl Williams Also taken in the third round, the Chiefs traded up to take Williams, who plays cornerback. Joseph Hernandez august 2, Kansas City Star, 2 Aug. 2025 The pan-European Stoxx 600 was last seen trading up 0.2%, paring gains seen earlier in Thursday's session. Chloe Taylor,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 24 July 2025 But the former Miami and Georgia standout has been more inconsistent than the Bears hoped after Poles traded up to get him in the 2023 draft. Phil Rogers, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025 The Dolphins upgraded at both guard positions with the free agent signing of James Daniels and then trading up in the second round to draft rookie Jonah Savaiinaea. David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for trade up

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of trade up was in 1905

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trade up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trade%20up. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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