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

Next year’s preliminary budget shows the kingdom is willing to keep borrowing to bolster its defenses and build trade routes that bypass the Strait of Hormuz. — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 1 Oct. 2026

The battles threaten the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital global trade route, and are increasingly entangled with regional conflicts involving Iran and Saudi Arabia. — Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026

As different countries and blocs roll out regulations related to deforestation and forest-sourcing, trade routes have to adapt to satisfy each area. — Cleo Levin, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

Taken together, the transport provisions point to an effort to build physical trade routes that are less dependent on traditional European corridors. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for trade route

• absolute
• arrowroot
• attribute
• bitterroot
• constitute
• convolute
• destitute
• disrepute
• dissolute
• execute
• institute
• involute

Kids Definition

trade route

noun

1

: one of the sea-lanes used by merchant ships

2

: a route followed by traders (as in caravans)