# barter

/ˈbɑɹtɝ/ (US) · /bˈɑːtɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/barter
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to trade without money

verb · CEFR B2

to trade something you have for something you need without using money.

For teachers: 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.

- The farmers would often barter their extra eggs for fresh milk from the neighbours.
- During the economic crisis, many citizens were forced to barter personal possessions for basic necessities like flour and fuel.

Usage: Commonly used with the preposition 'for' to specify the item being acquired.

### 2. the system of trading

noun · CEFR B2

the system of exchanging goods or services instead of using money.

For teachers: the act or system of trading by direct exchange of commodities. Usually uncountable in this sense.

- Before money was invented, most people relied on barter to get what they needed.
- The local economy shifted toward a system of barter after the national currency lost its value due to hyperinflation.

## Examples

- The farmers often barter their vegetables for fresh eggs.
- In the absence of a stable currency, local residents began to barter household items for essential food supplies.
- During the economic collapse, a sophisticated shadow economy emerged where citizens would barter professional services, such as legal advice or medical care, for fuel and hardware.

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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.