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.
Bringing his bag of insane tricks and witty banter to the Wilshire Ebell Theatre for two nights on May 8 and 9, Willman’s crowd work, storytelling and intricate tricks are inspired by everyday life.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026
"He laughed, and he said, 'Bring back $50 billion in deals,'" quipped White -- a longtime entrepreneur with an easygoing banter who raised large sums for Trump in recent campaigns.
From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026
Peter Attia, the longevity guru and bestselling author who recently resigned from CBS when his sophomoric banter with Epstein came to light, copped to his blind attraction to power.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026
The Sun's Felicity Cross gave it five stars, saying that despite being "awkward", it was "endearing, and full of fun banter".
From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026
All eyes were on her, and the brotherly banter was relentless.
From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan
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.
