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.

---

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

---

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]

---

Etymology

Origin of trade-in

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

Example Sentences

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

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

They said they are better equipped than the factory to service vehicles and give customers the best value for their trade-in cars.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

More likely are gradual and targeted policies, such as raising incomes for low-income households or shifting the recent trade-in and subsidy programs for durables like household appliances and cars into services.

From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026

“If you need to get rid of the car early on or if it’s destroyed or stolen, the trade-in, resale or insurance value is likely to be less than you still owe,” Consumer Reports says.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 4, 2026

They even have a trade-in policy, so I go there a lot.

From "Free Lunch" by Rex Ogle

Related Words

• carry
• conduct
• control
• enjoy
• have
• manage
• place
• preserve
• put
• retain
• save
• store