banter

Formsbanters, bantering, bantered

1. 1
   noununcountable

   Friendly, funny talk in which people joke with each other quickly.

   The two radio hosts are famous for their friendly banter.

   There was a lot of banter in the locker room before the game.

   Similarpleasantry, raillery

   Note
2. 2
   verbintransitive

   To talk with someone in a playful, joking way.

   The kids bantered back and forth while they waited for the bus.

   My dad likes to banter with the waiters at his favorite diner.

   Similarjoke, jest, josh

3. 3
   verbtransitive

   To tease someone in a gentle, friendly way.

   Her friends bantered her about her bright pink shoes.

   Dad likes to banter my sister about her messy room.

   Similarkid, chaff

   Note
4. 4
   noununcountable

   Friendly chat that workers like store clerks or nurses use with the people they serve.

   The cashier's cheerful banter made the long line feel shorter.

   The nurse kept up a stream of banter to calm the nervous patient.

   Similarpatter, chatter

5. 5
   ridicule (a trait)verbtransitive

   To make jokes about a habit or quality that someone has.

   Similarmock, ridicule

   Note
6. 6
   trickverbtransitive

   To fool or trick someone, or to play a joke on them.

   Similartrick, fool, hoax

   Note
7. 7
   challengeverbdialectalSouthernUSWesterntransitive

   To challenge someone to a game or contest.

   Grandpa bantered me to a game of checkers after supper.

   I banter you to a race to the creek and back.

   Similarchallenge

   Note
8. 8
   bargainverbdialectalUKintransitive

   To argue about a price to make it lower.

   He bantered with the man at the market stall to get a cheaper price.

   Mum always tries to banter at the car boot sale.

   Similarhaggle, bargain, dicker

   Note

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