black-market

[ blak-mahr-kit ]

/ ˈblækˈmɑr kɪt /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR black-market ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used without object)

to black-marketeer.

verb (used with object)

to sell (something) in the black market.

Nearby words

black-headed fireworm, black-headed gull, black-hearted, black-letter day, black-light trap, black-market, black-marketeer, black-on-black, black-tailed deer, black-tie, black-water fever

Origin of black-market

First recorded in 1930–35; v. use of black market

Definition for black-market (2 of 2)

black market

noun

the illicit buying and selling of goods in violation of legal price controls, rationing, etc.

a place where such activity is carried on.

Origin of black market

First recorded in 1930–35

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for black-market

On the street level, black-market banks in China never advertise their enterprise.
Inside China's Underground Black Market Banks|Brendon Hong|February 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The black-market channels which ferry ivory from poachers are often the same used for illegal arms, drugs, and trafficked labor.
Clinton Unites African Leaders in Her Crusade Against Poaching|Nina Strochlic|September 26, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Would he mind, she wondered, carrying the package of black-market tea that she was bringing her mother?
World War II’s Most Glamorous Spy: Christine Granville|Emma Garman|July 7, 2013|DAILY BEAST
On the black-market, Iranian moneylenders peg the real exchange rate far higher, at more than 35,000 rials per dollar.
Sanctions Are Causing Inflation in Iran and Harming Its Economy|Alex Klein|October 23, 2012|DAILY BEAST

Siddiqui is suspected of dealing with $19 million worth of black-market diamonds to pay for al Qaeda attacks.
Judging 'JihadJane'|Richard Miniter|March 17, 2010|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for black-market

black market

noun

any system in which goods or currencies are sold and bought illegally, esp in violation of controls or rationing
(as modifier)black market lamb

the place where such a system operates

verb black-market

to sell (goods) on the black market

Derived Forms

black marketeer, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Culture definitions for black-market

black market

The illegal buying and selling of goods above the price fixed by a government. Black markets usually develop when, because of war, disaster, or public policy, a government tries to set prices for commodities instead of allowing the normal operations of supply and demand to set prices.