Synonyms

trade secret

American

noun

a secret process, technique, method, etc., used to advantage in a trade, business, profession, etc.

trade secret British

noun

a secret formula, technique, process, etc, known and used to advantage by only one manufacturer

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of trade secret

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A former Google employee accused of stealing trade secrets related to the company’s Pixel phones was indicted last week.

From The Wall Street Journal

A former Google employee accused of stealing trade secrets related to the company’s Pixel phones was indicted Thursday, adding to cases highlighting the security threats companies face in an era of rapidly evolving technology.

From The Wall Street Journal

District Judge Pamela Chen partially denied Shkreli’s motion to dismiss the case, including ruling that the album can be considered a trade secret.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We’re grateful to the jury for making sure justice was served today, sending a clear message that stealing trade secrets has serious consequences.”

From Los Angeles Times

The jury on Thursday found EDO liable for breach of contract but decided EDO wasn’t liable for claims of trade secret violations between 2019 to 2021.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023