transaction

American  

[tran-sak-shuhn, -zak-] / trænˈsæk ʃən, -ˈzæk- /

noun

1. the act of transacting or the fact of being transacted.

2. an instance or process of transacting something.

   Synonyms:

   affair, venture, enterprise, bargain, deal

3. something that is transacted, especially a business agreement.

4. Psychology. an interaction of an individual with one or more other persons, especially as influenced by their assumed relational roles of parent, child, or adult.

5. transactions, the published records of the proceedings, as papers read, addresses delivered, or discussions, at the meetings of a learned society or the like.

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transaction British  

/ trænˈzækʃən /

noun

1. something that is transacted, esp a business deal or negotiation

2. the act of transacting or the state of being transacted

3. (plural) the published records of the proceedings of a society, conference, etc

4. (in business computing) the act of obtaining and paying for an item or service

5. (in general computing) the transmission and processing of an item of data

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Other Word Forms

• pretransaction noun
• transactional adjective
• transactionally adverb

Etymology

Origin of transaction

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Latin trānsāctiōn- (stem of trānsāctiō ) “completion, transaction”; see transact, -ion

Explanation

A transaction is any kind of action involved in conducting business, or an interaction between people. When you go to the bank, fill out a form, and deposit your paycheck, you make a transaction. An important business deal can be called a transaction, particularly the buying or selling of goods, but you can call any exchange with another person a transaction. There are transactions involving money, ideas, and even e-mail. The Latin root transactionem describes an agreement or accomplishment. This led to a mid-15th century version of transaction that described the adjustment of a dispute.

Example Sentences

"Today's stockholder approval is another key milestone toward completing this historic transaction that will deliver exceptional value to our stockholders," WBD chief executive David Zaslav said in a release.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

In financial terms, Gitter wrote in a brief memoir, his 1964 sale of the Rouault prints and purchase of the terracotta warrior was a questionable transaction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

“We look forward to closing the transaction in the coming months and realizing the creation of a next-generation media and entertainment company that better serves both the creative community and consumers.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

"This transaction would further consolidate an already concentrated media landscape, reducing competition at a moment when our industries -- and the audiences we serve -- can least afford it," the petition said.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

We are trained to think that what goes into any transaction or relationship or system must be directly related, in intensity and dimension, to what comes out.

From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell

Related Words

• action
• activity
• affair
• agreement
• bond
• business
• buying
• contract
• deal
• enterprise
• matter
• negotiation
• purchase
• sale
• selling