fair trade

¹ American  

noun

1. trade carried on under a fair-trade agreement.

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fair-trade ² American  

[fair-treyd] / ˈfɛərˈtreɪd /

verb (used with object)

fair-traded, fair-trading

1. to sell (a commodity) under a fair-trade agreement.

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verb (used without object)

fair-traded, fair-trading

1. to sell a commodity under a fair-trade agreement.

adjective

1. subject to or resulting from a fair-trade agreement.

   fair-trade items; fair-trade prices.

fair trade British  

noun

1. 1. the practice of directly benefiting producers in the developing world by buying straight from them at a guaranteed price

   2. ( as modifier )

      fair-trade coffee

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Other Word Forms

• fair-trader noun

Etymology

Origin of fair trade¹

First recorded in 1715–25

Origin of fair-trade²

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

While this viral exercise is extreme, Link noted that some workers may consider a small pay cut to work remotely as a fair trade.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 24, 2025

Together the U.S. and Canada can usher in a new century of shared economic prosperity by dropping tariffs, rejecting protectionism and promoting free and fair trade.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025

She adds that these provide a market for customers who value indigenous arts, sustainability and fair trade, and are willing to pay more.

From BBC • Oct. 5, 2025

As one member of the latter told the New York Times, farmers don’t want handouts but, rather, “access to a free and fair trade market.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2025

I stared at the book, knowing it wasn’t a fair trade.

From "Worth" by A. LaFaye