1
2
a
: an act or instance of trading : transaction
also
: an exchange of property usually without use of money
b
: a firm's customers : clientele
c
: the group of firms engaged in a business or industry
3
a
: an occupation requiring manual or mechanical skill : craft
b
: the business or work in which one engages regularly : occupation
c
: the persons engaged in an occupation, business, or industry
4
: a customary course of action : practice
thy sin's not accidental, but a trade—William Shakespeare
5
: trade wind
—usually used in plural
6
: a publication intended for persons in the entertainment business
—usually used in plural
7
a
obsolete
: a path traversed : way
b
archaic
: a track or trail left by a person or animal : tread sense 4
traded; trading
1
: to give one thing in exchange for another
2
a
: to engage in the exchange, purchase, or sale of goods
b
: to make one's purchases : shop
trades at his store
3
4
obsolete
: to have dealings : negotiate
1
a
: to give in exchange for another commodity : barter
also
: to make an exchange of
traded places
b
: to engage in frequent buying and selling of (stocks, commodities, etc.) usually in search of quick profits
2
archaic
: to do business with
1
: of, relating to, or used in trade
2
a
: intended for or limited to persons in a business or industry
a trade publication
trade sales
b
: serving others in the same business rather than the ultimate user or consumer
a trade printing house
3
or less commonly trades
: of, composed of, or representing the trades or trade unions
a trade committee
4
: having a larger softcover format than that of a mass-market paperback and usually sold only in bookstores
trade paperbacks
also
: of or relating to the publishing of such books
Cite this Entry
“Trade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trade. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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