1
a
: a card of a suit any of whose cards will win over a card that is not of this suit
called also trump card
b
: the suit whose cards are trumps for a particular hand
—often used in plural
2
: a decisive overriding factor or final resource
called also trump card
3
: a dependable and exemplary person
trumped; trumping; trumps
1
: to get the better of : override
where ambition invariably trumps loyalty—
Michael Kramer
Michael Kramer2
: to play a trump on (a card or trick) when another suit was led
: to play a trump when another suit was led
1
a
: trumpet
b
chiefly Scotland
: jew's harp
2
: a sound of or as if of trumpeting
the trump of doom
Examples of trump in a Sentence
Verb
She trumped my ace to win the trick.
Their offer for the house was trumped by a higher bid.
The need for blood donors trumps all other concerns.
Recent Examples on the Web
Alan Brew, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
For many business travelers, choosing the best schedule and being assured of an efficient and relaxing experience will trump any status benefits.
—Michele Robson, Fortune, 5 July 2025
With the political room for negotiation or compromise between China and the United States so narrow, small incremental steps in the right direction trump any promises of a grand bargain.
—William Hurst, Foreign Affairs, 3 July 2025
There apparently also was consternation of including multiple first-round picks, and an acceptance that the Rockets were positioned to trump their offers.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for trump
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Verb
In my view, the message is clear: Coherence now trumps complexity.
—Alan Brew, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
For many business travelers, choosing the best schedule and being assured of an efficient and relaxing experience will trump any status benefits.
—Michele Robson, Fortune, 5 July 2025
With the political room for negotiation or compromise between China and the United States so narrow, small incremental steps in the right direction trump any promises of a grand bargain.
—William Hurst, Foreign Affairs, 3 July 2025
There apparently also was consternation of including multiple first-round picks, and an acceptance that the Rockets were positioned to trump their offers.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for trump
Cite this Entry
“Trump.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trump. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
trump
1 of 2 noun1
: a card of a suit any of whose cards will win over a card that is of a different suit
also
: the suit whose cards are trumps for a particular hand
—often used in plural
2
trump
2 of 2 verb1
: to take with a trump
trump another player's card
2
: to play a trump
3
: to get the better of : outdo
trumped her competitors
Biographical Definition
Trump
biographical name
Donald J(ohn) 1946– American businessman and politician; 45th and 47th president of the U.S. (2017–21; 2025- )
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