banter

American  

[ban-ter] / ˈbæn tər /

noun

1. an exchange of light, playful, teasing remarks; good-natured raillery.

   Synonyms:

   persiflage, pleasantry, badinage

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verb (used with object)

1. to address with banter; chaff.

   Synonyms:

   mock, deride, ridicule, twit, tease

verb (used without object)

1. to use banter.

banter British  

/ ˈbæntə /

verb

1. to speak to or tease lightly or jokingly

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noun

1. light, teasing, or joking language or repartee

Other Word Forms

• banterer noun
• banteringly adverb
• outbanter verb (used with object)
• unbantering adjective
• unbanteringly adverb

Etymology

Origin of banter

First recorded in 1660–70; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

Far from swooning as she is clearly expected to do, Bessette banters tartly and refuses to give him her number.

From Los Angeles Times

The iconic outfit has been trending on social media for days following the banter between Ghanaians and Zambians.

From BBC

She enjoys the bantering vibe of the crews she’s on, even if she still misses working with children.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

The biracial funnyman has offered a mix of political satire and light-hearted showbiz banter, and has generally earned decent reviews for his efforts.

From Barron's

Related Words

• chitchat
• gossip
• repartee
• ribbing
• small talk