free trade

noun

: trade based on the unrestricted international exchange of goods with tariffs used only as a source of revenue

Examples of free trade in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

India and New Zealand signed a free trade agreement in April. — ABC News, 9 July 2026

Washington has spent six years trying to conclude what would be America’s first free trade agreement in sub-Saharan Africa, with Kenya, this was meant to be one of the aims of AGOA. — Daniele Nyirandutiye, semafor.com, 6 July 2026

Anderson noted that shadow fleet activity poses a threat to world commerce by undermining free trade and putting legitimate commercial vessels in the crosshairs of political conflict. — Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Much of the country has come to see its commitments to free trade, collective security, and global institutions not as sources of American primacy but as a raw deal—a way for the world to free-ride on American power. — Ian Bremmer, Time, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for free trade

• afraid
• allayed
• arcade
• arrayed
• assayed
• barmaid
• betrayed
• blockade
• bridesmaid
• brigade
• brocade
• buffeted

Kids Definition

free trade

noun

: trade between nations without restrictions (as high taxes on imports)