trade union

American  

noun

1. a labor union of craftspeople or workers in related crafts, as distinguished from general workers or a union including all workers in an industry.

2. labor union.

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trade union British  

noun

1. an association of employees formed to improve their incomes and working conditions by collective bargaining with the employer or employer organizations

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Other Word Forms

• trade unionism
  noun
• trade unionist
  noun
• trade-union
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of trade union

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

"At first blush, this case may not seem momentous," said Koh from the trade union confederation.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

In 2025, inflation soared to 20 percent, prompting the country's largest trade union COB to demand a wage increase of the same percentage.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

The trade union Usdaw has voiced its opposition to the extension of Sunday trading hours.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

Equity is the performing arts and entertainment trade union which has about 50,000 members in the UK.

From BBC • May 17, 2026

Typically the subject was a well-to-do immigrant supporting some potential insurgency in his old land, or else funding a fledgling trade union or radical student organization.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee