barter

American  

[bahr-ter] / ˈbɑr tər /

verb (used without object)

1. to trade by exchange of commodities rather than by the use of money.

   Synonyms:

   traffic

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verb (used with object)

1. to exchange in trade, as one commodity for another; trade.

   Synonyms:

   traffic

2. to bargain away unwisely or dishonorably (usually followed byaway ).

   bartering away his pride for material gain.

noun

1. the act or practice of bartering.

2. items or an item for bartering.

   We arrived with new barter for the villagers.

barter British  

/ ˈbɑːtə /

verb

1. to trade (goods, services, etc) in exchange for other goods, services, etc, rather than for money

   the refugees bartered for food

2. (intr) to haggle over the terms of such an exchange; bargain

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noun

1. trade by the exchange of goods

barter Cultural  

1. The exchange of goods or services for other goods or services, rather than for money.

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Related Words

See trade.

Other Word Forms

• barterer
  noun
• outbarter
  verb (used with object)
• unbartered
  adjective
• unbartering
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of barter

1400–50; late Middle English, apparently < Anglo-French, Old French bareter, barater ( see barrator), with shift of sense

Explanation

If you make a deal with your brother to change the oil in his car in exchange for one of his video games, what you’ve just done is barter — or trade goods and services. Before money was invented, people traded goods and services in order to acquire the things they needed. An individual might trade, for example, a cow in exchange for help building a shed, or a dozen eggs in exchange for several yards of cloth. To this day people continue to barter for goods and services although this method of commerce is no longer widespread. The verb barter has survived into modern times to refer to making a transaction that involves the exchange of goods or services rather than money.

Example Sentences

If there is a secret sauce for regional theaters, Barter Theatre may have it.

From Washington Times • Sep. 22, 2023

William Barter, a rail consultant who's worked on the project argues that would be a mistake.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2023

In 2001, during one of Argentina's worst economic crises, Sandra Contreras set up the Lujan Barter Club.

From Reuters • Oct. 13, 2022

He launched his acting career in 1965, appearing in Noël Coward’s “Hay Fever” at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Va.

From Washington Post • May 6, 2022

Kaz struck his walking stick against the cobblestones as the bells from the Church of Barter began to chime.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo

Related Words

• haggle