barter
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to trade something you have for something you need without using money.
v.to exchange goods or services for other goods or services without using a medium of exchange such as money. Ambitransitive — can be used with or without a direct object.
Simple“The farmers would often barter their extra eggs for fresh milk from the neighbours.”
In context“During the economic crisis, many citizens were forced to barter personal possessions for basic necessities like flour and fuel.”
UsageCommonly used with the preposition 'for' to specify the item being acquired.
PitfallThey bartered their old car with a new bike. They bartered their old car for a new bike.Use the preposition 'for' to indicate the item you receive in the exchange.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the system of exchanging goods or services instead of using money.
n.the act or system of trading by direct exchange of commodities. Usually uncountable in this sense.
Simple“Before money was invented, most people relied on barter to get what they needed.”
In context“The local economy shifted toward a system of barter after the national currency lost its value due to hyperinflation.”
Late Middle English, from Old French barater.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.