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

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.

Example Sentences

"He always tried his best and always had a smile on his face... he loved his football and having banter with his friends, he was a bit of a joker of the group."

From BBC • Apr. 10, 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 costumes, witty banter and theatrics of the wrestling ring influenced his consistent look and even allowed the name “Fluffy” to become his calling card.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2026

“You become very aware of the — I mean a very British way of putting this — blokey banter that you’re not a part of and you kind of feel that exclusion.”

From Salon • Feb. 24, 2026

In fact, it is possible my bench companion of a while ago expected me to banter with him - in which case, I suppose I was something of a sorry disappointment.

From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro

Related Words

• chitchat
• gossip
• repartee
• ribbing
• small talk