trade-in

American  

[treyd-in] / ˈtreɪdˌɪn /

noun

1. goods given in whole or, usually, part payment of a purchase.

   We used our old car as a trade-in for the new one.

2. a business transaction involving a trade-in.

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adjective

1. of or relating to the valuation of goods used in a trade-in.

   trade-in price.

2. of or relating to such a business transaction.

   trade-in terms.

trade-in British  

noun

1. 1. a used article given in part payment for the purchase of a new article

   2. a transaction involving such part payment

   3. the valuation put on the article traded in

   4. ( as modifier )

      a trade-in dealer

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verb

1. (tr, adverb) to give (a used article) as part payment for the purchase of a new article

trade in Idioms  

1. Give or sell an old or used item and apply the value or proceeds to a new item. For example, Some people prefer to trade in their old car to the dealer, but we feel we'll do better by simply selling it. [First half of 1900s]

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Etymology

Origin of trade-in

First recorded in 1920–25; noun, adj. use of verb phrase trade in

Example Sentences

“No timeline. No refund. Oh, but a trade-in discount. Woohoo, pay Tesla twice for the same broken promise.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

Citi economists think government trade-in subsidies and travel during the Lunar New Year holiday could lend support to retail spending, while weak auto and phone sales could weigh.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

Upgrading CarMax’s digital trade-in experience is a priority for Starboard.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

Starboard recommends CarMax improve its digital trade-in, optimize reconditioning, and expand its auto financing arm.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

“So you’ll be doing a trade-in then?” the salesman asked.

From "Ruby Holler" by Sharon Creech

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