banter
Americannoun
verb (used with object)
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banters,
present (3rd person singular)
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bantered,
past participle, past
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bantering
present participle
verb (used without object)
-
banters,
present (3rd person singular)
-
bantered,
past participle, past
-
bantering
present participle
verb
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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banterernoun
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outbanterverb (used with object)
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unbanteringadjective
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banteringlyadverb
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unbanteringlyadverb
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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bantersimple
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banterssimple
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have banteredperfect
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has banteredperfect
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am banteringprogressive
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are banteringprogressive
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is banteringprogressive
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have been banteringperfect progressive
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has been banteringperfect progressive
Past
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banteredsimple
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had banteredperfect
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was banteringprogressive
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were banteringprogressive
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had been banteringperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of banter
First recorded in 1660–70; origin uncertain
Explanation
Good friends usually banter back and forth easily, like they're trying to keep a step ahead of each other in witty responses. This type of banter is their special language of friendship. Banter is both a noun and a verb about talking. It comes from unknown origins, but even as a word, it seems to be playful and teasing. You can engage in banter with friends, siblings, parents, and even good-natured strangers. Banter usually ends with everyone feeling better for the talk and verbal play. Joking, joshing, and teasing are all related to banter.
Vocabulary lists containing banter
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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.
See Examples For:
The Instagram account describes itself as a place for "the best confessions, memes and banter in Cardiff" and has more than 14,000 followers.
From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2026
One of the most surprising findings I had researching this book was the importance of banter, of humor, of fun, of doing things that waters the garden of the community.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026
Hosted by Law & Order SVU star Mariska Hargitay - the first woman to host in 15 years - the ceremony was packed with cameos from celebrities, emotional speeches, touching tributes and plenty of banter.
From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026
The banter between the two gives McDonagh’s script its usual comic crackle.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026
She didn’t pay much mind to small talk or banter, but when she asked Sierra a question, she meant it.
From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older
Bergstrom, 41, spends most nights on a live-shopping app called Whatnot, where hosts like him auction collectibles in real time to an audience that simultaneously banters and bids on his goods.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 27, 2026
“I would have never gotten there,” banters Lin.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 11, 2025
He is a regular presence on social media, where he banters with the public.
From New York Times ● May 11, 2023
But he makes frequent appearances on Israeli TV and radio, displaying a cheerful demeanor, quit wit and knack for deflecting criticism as he banters with his hosts.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 1, 2022
Pedantic /literati/, vain youngsters, every sort of narrowness and conceit, he banters rather than satirizes; and even his banter expresses no contempt.
From Autobiography: Truth and Fiction Relating to My Life by John Oxenford
During the launch of a curriculum with Sesame Workshop, Chan bantered with Elmo in a promotional video.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 1, 2026
The two then bantered about how Newsom had been an early Tesla buyer.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2024
Welsh actors Sir Anthony Hopkins and Sir Jonathan Pryce bantered about who was the more Welsh on the set of their latest film, its director has said.
From BBC ● Jan. 2, 2024
He yelled encouragement and bantered with the soldiers as they learned how to use American weapons.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 25, 2023
I snuck a look at Deoch as he bantered with someone at the door.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
He is an outdoor person, like Rose; has trouble fitting into societal norms, like Rose; and he is an ideal intellectual partner for her, bantering, well-read and ready to engage.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2026
He was in his 80s then, but still vibrant—rarely seated, moving easily around the room and bantering with staff as they passed in and out.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 31, 2026
They would also often meet for dinner, sometimes lavish meals, gossiping and bantering over dim sum, pizza or claypot rice.
From BBC ● Dec. 20, 2025
He watched as his team batted at the start of what would be a roughly five-hour match, bantering about cricket and careers with the players, who huddled on bleachers under a small square of shade.
From New York Times ● Jul. 15, 2023
But, then, I rather fancy it has more to do with this skill of bantering.
From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
