banter

[ ban-ter ]
See synonyms for: banterbanteringbanterer on Thesaurus.com

noun
  1. an exchange of light, playful, teasing remarks; good-natured raillery.

verb (used with object)
  1. to address with banter; chaff.

verb (used without object)
  1. to use banter.

Origin of banter

1
First recorded in 1660–70; origin uncertain

Other words for banter

Other words from banter

  • ban·ter·er, noun
  • ban·ter·ing·ly, adverb
  • outbanter, verb (used with object)
  • un·ban·ter·ing, adjective
  • un·ban·ter·ing·ly, adverb

Words Nearby banter

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use banter in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for banter

banter

/ (ˈbæntə) /


verb
  1. to speak to or tease lightly or jokingly

noun
  1. light, teasing, or joking language or repartee

Origin of banter

1
C17: of unknown origin

Derived forms of banter

  • banterer, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012