banter

[ban-ter]

noun

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

   Synonyms: persiflage, pleasantry, badinage

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

/ ˈbæntə /

verb

1. to speak to or tease lightly or jokingly

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of banter¹

First recorded in 1660–70; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of banter¹

C17: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

But he was so friendly and approachable that even opposing fans had fun engaging in banter and discussions.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In our testing, we’ve found it capable of wide-ranging conversations about classical architecture, campground amenities, the solubility of selenium—you know, typical Friday night banter.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Summers emailed regularly with Epstein, including banter about women, the emails showed.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Summers emailed regularly with Epstein, including banter about women and an exchange in 2019 shortly before Epstein was arrested.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Since his homecoming—and hospitalization—Seymour has bewildered and occasionally frightened everyone he comes in contact with, except Sybil, a little girl he encounters who is enchanted by his banter and off-kilter stories.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• chitchat 
• gossip 
• repartee 
• ribbing 
• small talk