barter
An exchange is called barter when people trade things instead of using money. It's like swapping toys with your friend.
When we think of bartering, we often imagine people trading goods and services directly, without any money involved. For example, a farmer might trade some fresh vegetables for a few hours of help from a neighbor who has a special skill, like fixing fences. You could also see barter happening in online communities where people offer skills or items in exchange for something else they want or need. Some businesses even allow customers to pay for services with something other than money, like a service trade.
How common is "barter"?
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
noun
An exchange of goods or services without the use of money.
Example: We had no money so we had to live by barter.
verb
To exchange goods or services without involving money.
Example: She bartered a bonsai for one of the rare books in my library.
Real examples of "barter" in context
