fair

⁵fair

noun \ˈfer\

Definition of FAIR

1

: a gathering of buyers and sellers at a particular place and time for trade

2

a : a competitive exhibition usually with accompanying entertainment and amusements <an agricultural fair> b : an exhibition designed to acquaint prospective buyers or the general public with a product <a book fair> c : an exposition that promotes the availability of services or opportunities <health fairs> <job fairs>

3

: a sale of assorted articles usually for a charitable purpose

Examples of FAIR

1. At night the sparkling lights, hurdy-gurdy music of the merry-go-round, excited children, and screams of the riders on the roller coaster that races overhead recall the gaiety of a carnival midway at a county fair. —Witold Rybczynski, Atlantic, May 1993
2. Back at the street fair, in the smoky heat among vendors of souvenirs and street food, a flock of kids dances around a boom box playing Lionel Richie. —Barbara Kingsolver, New York Times Magazine, 12 Sept. 1993
3. “Do you like to go out? You know, party?” “Who doesn't?” “Well, the Ebony Fashion Fair is in three weeks. You want to go?” —Terry McMillan, Waiting to Exhale, 1992

Origin of FAIR

Middle English feire, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin feria weekday, fair, from Late Latin, festal day, from Latin feriae (plural) holidays — more at feast

First Known Use: 13th century

Other Business Terms

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