buy

¹buy

verb \ˈbī\

bought\ˈbȯt\buy·ing

Definition of BUY

transitive verb

1

: to acquire possession, ownership, or rights to the use or services of by payment especially of money : purchase

2

a : to obtain in exchange for something often at a sacrifice <they bought peace with their freedom> b : redeem 6

3

: bribe, hire

4

: to be the purchasing equivalent of <the dollar buys less today than it used to>

5

: accept, believe <I don't buy that hooey> —often used with into

intransitive verb

: to make a purchase

— buy·er \ˈbī(-ə)r\ noun

— buy into

: to purchase a portion of or interest in <the TV network bought into its local football team>

— buy it or buy the farm

: to get killed : die

— buy time

: to delay an imminent action or decision : stall

Examples of BUY

1. I bought this hat for $10.
2. He bought the quilt from a local artist.
3. Stock prices are low, so now is a good time to buy.
4. He said it was a mistake, but I don't buy it.

Origin of BUY

Middle English byen, from Old English bycgan; akin to Gothic bugjan to buy

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to BUY

Synonyms: cop [slang], pick up, purchase, take

Antonyms: disbelieve, discredit, reject

Related Words: acquire, gain, garner, get, obtain, procure, secure, win; finance, pay (for), spring (for); barter (for), deal (for), dicker (over), exchange (for), haggle (for), negotiate (about), trade (for); bargain (with), chaffer (with), horse-trade (with), palter (with); bid, offer; rebuy, repurchase

Near Antonyms: deal (in), market, merchandise (also merchandize), retail, sell, vend

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite