fair-trade

1 of 2

verb

ˈfer-ˈtrād 

fair-traded; fair-trading; fair-trades

transitive verb

: to market (a commodity) in compliance with the provisions of a fair-trade agreement

fair trader noun

fair trade

2 of 2

noun

1

: trade in conformity with a fair-trade agreement

2

: a movement whose goal is to help producers in developing countries to get a fair price for their products so as to reduce poverty, provide for the ethical treatment of workers and farmers, and promote environmentally sustainable practices

Examples of fair-trade in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Following a pledge last month from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to rebalance fair trade, cut red tape and strengthen industrial and strategic autonomy, Euratex said that the Commission must act immediately on those commitments. — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026

Although not the lightest 14-inch business laptop available, the Pro 7 Series 14's exceptionally rigid metal chassis is a fair trade-off. — Charles Jefferies, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026

If so, there's a fair trade taking place, rather than one plant simply taking advantage of others. — ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026

Momentum was also building around a fair trade movement in the industry, which promised, among other things, higher prices for growers and better labor conditions, enforced by third-party inspections. — Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1947, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

fair trade

noun

1

: trade conforming to a fair trade agreement

2

: a movement that aims to help producers in developing countries get a fair price for their products so as to reduce poverty, provide for ethical treatment of workers and farmers, and promote environmentally sustainable practices

fair trade verb

Legal Definition

fair-trade

transitive verb

: to market (a commodity) in compliance with the provisions of a fair-trade agreement

fair trade noun

fair trader noun