trade secret

American  

noun

1. a secret process, technique, method, etc., used to advantage in a trade, business, profession, etc.

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trade secret British  

noun

1. a secret formula, technique, process, etc, known and used to advantage by only one manufacturer

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Etymology

Origin of trade secret

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

trade secret

Stefan can't explain more about the technique they use – like the genetic research it's a trade secret.

From BBC ● May 14, 2026

A Taiwanese court sentenced a former Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing employee to 10 years in prison for trade secret theft.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 27, 2026

Actor Samuel L. Jackson revealed a trade secret from Bruce Willis that the actor says kept him sane during his five-decade career in Hollywood.

From Salon ● Mar. 20, 2025

We appealed that to the attorney general, and the attorney general ruled in our favor that this was not actually a trade secret and forced the police to reveal this information.

From Slate ● Feb. 22, 2024

A Practical Work treating on a process which has heretofore been held as a trade secret by the few who possessed it, and which will successfully mold every and any class of ornamental concrete work.

From Aviation Engines Design?Construction?Operation and Repair by Pag?, Victor Wilfred