1 B1 idiomatic neutral
to give something used to a seller and receive a reduced price on something new
"She traded in her old phone for a newer model."
separable
trade in
B1 neutral separable transitive
to give an old item to a seller as part payment for a new one
In plain English
give your old thing to help pay for a new one
What does "trade in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
to buy and sell a particular type of goods as a business
"The company trades in rare books and maps."
inseparable
Usage tip
Very common with cars, phones, and electronics. Also used in business for dealing in a certain type of goods.
Words that pair with "trade in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
car phone vehicle old model laptop watch
How to conjugate "trade in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
trade in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
trades in
he/she/it
Past simple
traded in
yesterday
Past participle
traded in
have + pp
-ing form
trading in
continuous
Hear "trade in" in the wild
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Other ways to say "trade in"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
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