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

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

From BBC • May 14, 2026

District Judge Pamela Chen partially denied Shkreli’s motion to dismiss the case, including ruling that the album can be considered a trade secret.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 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

His jocular exposal of the colyumist's trade secret compares it to the boarding-house keeper's rotation of crops: MONDAY.

From Shandygaff by Morley, Christopher