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Synonyms

trading post

American  

noun

  1. a store established in an unsettled or thinly settled region by a trader or trading company to obtain furs and local products in exchange for supplies, clothing, other goods, or for cash.

  2. post.


trading post British  

noun

  1. a general store established by a trader in an unsettled or thinly populated region

  2. stock exchange a booth or location on an exchange floor at which a particular security is traded

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of trading post

An Americanism dating back to 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Born in Nebraska and raised in South Dakota, Leahy worked in his youth as a cowhand, a soda jerk and a clerk in a trading post.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 8, 2025

Since then, Outfit Repeater L.A. has garnered a reputation as the Eastside’s hippest trading post for “it” girls, creatives and fashion trendsetters.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2025

Its history dates back to the 19th Century when it was known as a trading post on the ancient Georgian Military Road connecting Russia with Georgia.

From BBC • Dec. 17, 2024

Myawaddy, in Kayin state, is opposite the Thai district of Mae Sot in Tak province and is connected by two bridges across the Moei River It is Myanmar’s most active trading post with Thailand.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 11, 2024

The rest of the villagers would remain behind to care for the children, although Aunt Shuvai’s baby was being taken along in hopes that they could buy milk at the trading post.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer