black market
noun
the illicit buying and selling of goods in violation of legal price controls, rationing, etc.
black markets
-
pluralof black market.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Sanctions typically push activity underground, creating flourishing black markets for goods, services and even people.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026
This large fish is targeted because its swim bladder commands high prices on international black markets.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 17, 2026
Contracts are unenforceable and production leaks into black markets.
From MarketWatch ● Jan. 8, 2026
Tor/the Dark Web has received a lot of attention for hosting black markets and facilitating criminal activities, but it’s also used by journalists, activists and regular folks for legitimate purposes.
From Salon ● Nov. 26, 2025
His team’s job is to break up the black markets that have sent prices soaring.
From "Farewell to Manzanar" by Jeanne Houston
