barter

[bahr-ter]

verb (used without object)

1. to trade by exchange of commodities rather than by the use of money.

   Synonyms: traffic

verb (used with object)

1. to exchange in trade, as one commodity for another; trade.

   Synonyms: traffic

2. to bargain away unwisely or dishonorably (usually followed byaway ).

   bartering away his pride for material gain.

noun

1. the act or practice of bartering.

2. items or an item for bartering.

   We arrived with new barter for the villagers.

barter

/ ˈbɑːtə /

verb

1. to trade (goods, services, etc) in exchange for other goods, services, etc, rather than for money

   the refugees bartered for food

2. (intr) to haggle over the terms of such an exchange; bargain

noun

1. trade by the exchange of goods

barter

1. The exchange of goods or services for other goods or services, rather than for money.

Other Word Forms

• barterer noun
• outbarter verb (used with object)
• unbartered adjective
• unbartering adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of barter¹

1400–50; late Middle English, apparently < Anglo-French, Old French bareter, barater ( barrator ), with shift of sense

Word History and Origins

Origin of barter¹

C15: from Old French barater to cheat; perhaps related to Greek prattein to do

Synonym Study

See trade.

Example Sentences

Together, the data support a new interpretation of Monte Sierpe as an Indigenous center for barter and exchange that may have evolved into an accounting system under Inca rule.

Read more on Science Daily

This woman was really into bartering, though, like, if you give me weed, I’ll braid your hair, and I was not.

Read more on Salon

Menendez said the position gave him access to wall phones, and used the position to help him barter or gain favors.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There’s also a bartering and swap group where folks negotiate clever exchanges: “I have an unused air fryer. You have an unused desk chair. Want to swap?”

Read more on Salon

They wanted to barter their old clothing, but that was a sticky prospect in Los Angeles — the scene is riddled with suspicious stares from thrift store employees and digital cold wars with teenagers on Depop.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• haggle