banter
Americannoun
verb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
noun
Other Word Forms
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
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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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.
Zip it: Banter and brief chats are fine.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026
Symancyk noted that Signet’s brands that are more exposed to lower-end shoppers, such as Banter or Zales, were seeing weaker sales growth than those that cater to higher-end consumers, such as Jared and Blue Nile.
From Barron's • Dec. 2, 2025
The former first minister and the crime author Val McDermid are appearing at the King's Theatre in Glasgow for a performance called Books and Banter.
From BBC • Mar. 22, 2025
As one British study titled "Banter, bollockings and beatings" made clear, an often macho culture can prevail, including bizarre induction rituals.
From Salon • Mar. 11, 2024
For shame!" cried Banter; "would you be so impolite as to refuse a lady a hearing? perhaps she comes for a consultation.
From The Adventures of Roderick Random by Smollett, T. (Tobias)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
