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

No studio, no humans at the microphone, not even a recording -- yet out comes a lively podcast, banter and all.

Read more on Barron's

Arattai, which means banter in the Tamil language, had a soft launch in 2021, but not many had heard of it.

Read more on BBC

Amid the banter and joviality, the message from the Red Roses was clear: they want to inspire the next generation.

Read more on BBC

"The banter is the big thing that I miss. When I arrived, one guy said 'hey, you look just like Ross King off the TV - no offence'. I miss the banter."

Read more on BBC

Playing outlaws on the run, cornered men whose time had passed, bickering and bantering like an old married couple who can’t imagine a life without each other, they’re perfect together.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chitchat 
• gossip 
• repartee 
• ribbing 
• small talk