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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.


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

"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

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

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.

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Vocabulary lists containing transaction

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.

Transaction revenues rose 7%, driven by gains in prediction markets, options and stocks.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

He also called for the Royal Family to start paying Land and Buildings Transaction Tax on property purchases.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Transaction margin dollars, a measure of total revenue less direct transaction costs, came in at $281 million, down from $316 million in the prior year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 18, 2025

Transaction activity continues to bounce along at unusually low levels, with roughly four million existing-home sales for the third year in a row.

From Barron's • Oct. 30, 2025

Transaction denied, it says again, when I try a second time.

From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle

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