# banter

/ˈbæntɝ/ (US) · /bˈɑːntɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/banter
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. playful teasing

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

friendly and funny conversation where people joke with each other.

For teachers: good-humoured, playful, and typically spontaneous conversation involving light teasing.

- The friends shared some light banter while they waited for their food to arrive.
- The office environment was characterized by constant witty banter, which helped alleviate the stress of the high-pressure deadlines.

### 2. to joke around

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to talk to someone in a friendly and joking way.

For teachers: to engage in playful or witty conversation; to tease someone in a lighthearted manner.

- They spent the whole afternoon bantering about their favorite movies.
- The two presenters bantered effortlessly on stage, making the technical awards ceremony much more entertaining for the audience.

Usage: The verb is often used with the preposition 'with' or 'about'.

## Examples

- They shared a quick banter before starting work.
- The team's daily banter helps reduce stress during the busy holiday season.
- Their sharp banter masked a deep mutual respect, turning potential conflicts into playful exchanges that strengthened their professional bond.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.