Barter

/ˈbɑːrtər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The act of exchanging goods or services directly for other goods or services without using money.

In ancient times, people relied on barter to exchange items they needed.

A system of trade where goods and services are exchanged for other goods and services.

Barter has made a comeback in recent years with the rise of trade networks.

verb

To exchange goods or services directly for other goods or services without using money.

They decided to barter their old furniture for new appliances.

To negotiate and arrange terms for the exchange of goods or services.

He barters with local farmers for fresh produce.

Middle English: from Old French 'barater', meaning 'to cheat, deceive' and 'to exchange goods'.

barter agreement

A mutual arrangement where two parties agree to exchange goods or services.

barter system

An economic system where goods and services are traded directly for each other.

bartered goods

Items that have been exchanged between parties.

exchanging

The act of giving one thing and receiving another in return.

trade-off

A situation where you give up something in order to gain something.

Pushing for a better deal.

She's bartering hard for that concert ticket.

Negotiating terms informally.

They were just bartering over what services to swap.