# trades

/ˈtɹeɪdz/ (US) · /tɹˈeɪdz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/trades
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. skilled manual jobs

noun · CEFR B2

jobs that require special manual skills and training, like being a plumber or an electrician.

For teachers: the building and manufacturing vocations involving skilled manual labour.

- Many young people are choosing to learn trades like carpentry instead of going to university.
- The local college offers specialized certifications in the construction trades to meet the growing demand for qualified electricians and masons.

Usage: Often preceded by 'the' when referring to the sector as a whole.

### 2. industry magazines

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

magazines or websites that report news for a specific business or industry.

For teachers: publications dedicated to a specific industry, providing news and data to professionals within that field.

- The actor was excited to see his name mentioned in the Hollywood trades.
- Industry insiders closely monitor the trades for any early indications of a shift in corporate strategy or upcoming mergers.

Teaching tip: This is a common shorthand in industries like film, fashion, and publishing.

### 3. steady winds

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

strong, steady winds that blow across the ocean toward the equator.

For teachers: the trade winds; consistent tropical winds blowing from the northeast or southeast toward the equator.

- In the past, sailors relied on the trades to carry their ships across the Atlantic.
- The reliability of the trades allowed for the establishment of consistent maritime commercial routes between Europe and the Americas.

Usage: Usually plural and often preceded by 'the'.

### 4. multiple exchanges

noun · CEFR B1

the plural of trade; more than one act of buying, selling, or swapping.

For teachers: the plural form of trade, referring to multiple instances of commercial exchange or bartering.

- The stock market saw thousands of trades in the first hour of opening.
- The collector made several clever trades at the convention to complete her set of rare stamps.

## Examples

- He decided to leave office work and learn one of the skilled trades.
- The local college offers several programs for students interested in entering the building trades like carpentry and masonry.
- Economic shifts have led to a renewed emphasis on the trades, as the demand for specialized technicians often outstrips the supply of qualified vocational workers.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.