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

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

Delivering off-the-cuff banter in reaction to news of the moment — a requirement for morning TV news — was not his strong suit.

From Los Angeles Times

Alice gives him a lift to camp; they banter and flirt after a fashion.

From Los Angeles Times

Seller Richard Ward said he also enjoyed "the banter with customers".

From BBC

Related Words

• chitchat
• gossip
• repartee
• ribbing
• small talk