trade route

noun

1
: one of the sea-lanes ordinarily used by merchant ships
2
: a route followed by traders (as in caravans)

Examples of trade route in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There aren’t enough ships to protect the reopening trade routes from pirates. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 2026 They are isolated in a remote corner of the Pacific far from the trade routes where they might be discovered. — Terry W. Hartle, Christian Science Monitor, 6 July 2026 The trade route is the next-best bet for adding top-caliber players. — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 6 July 2026 Days of public dispute over the terms of the deal — both around the future of the key trade route and the unfreezing of billions in Iranian assets — escalated into new military attacks after Iran attacked ships transiting the strait. — Alexander Smith, NBC news, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for trade route

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of trade route was in 1828

Rhymes for trade route

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Browse Nearby Words

trade rat
trade route
tradership
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trade route.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trade%20route. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

trade route

noun
1
: one of the sea-lanes used by merchant ships
2
: a route followed by traders (as in caravans)

More from Merriam-Webster on trade route

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trade route

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