exchange rate

American  

noun

1. the ratio at which a unit of the currency of one country can be exchanged for that of another country.

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exchange rate British  

noun

1. the rate at which the currency unit of one country may be exchanged for that of another

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exchange rate Cultural  

1. The price at which one currency can be purchased with another currency or gold. At any time, for example, one U.S. dollar can purchase a certain number of EU euros or Japanese yen.

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Etymology

Origin of exchange rate

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

The German sporting-goods retailer announced a €400 million hit from tariffs and exchange rate changes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

While, in response to past allegations of unfairly controlling its currency's value, it's said it's committed to implementing a floating exchange rate regime, based on market supply and demand, but managed where necessary.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

Russia relies on imported fruit and vegetables, so store prices are highly sensitive to fluctuations in the rouble exchange rate and disruptions in the supply chain.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

"In the foreign exchange market, the dollar/yen exchange rate was trading in the mid-153 yen range, a weaker yen than the previous day, which is likely to support export-related stocks."

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026

For one thing, the exchange rate was bad and the rooms—besides being paid in advance, and with my money—were already rather more than I could afford.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

Related Words

• rate of exchange