traffic

¹traf·fic

noun, often attributive \ˈtra-fik\

Definition of TRAFFIC

1

a : import and export trade b : the business of bartering or buying and selling c : illegal or disreputable usually commercial activity <the drug traffic>

2

a : communication or dealings especially between individuals or groups b : exchange <a lively traffic in ideas — F. L. Allen>

3

archaic : wares, goods

4

a (1) : the movement (as of vehicles or pedestrians) through an area or along a route (2) : the vehicles, pedestrians, ships, or planes moving along a route (3) : congestion of vehicles <stuck in traffic> b : the information or signals transmitted over a communications system : messages

5

a : the passengers or cargo carried by a transportation system b : the business of transporting passengers or freight

6

: the volume of customers visiting a business establishment <restaurant traffic>

7

: a concentration of participants or players and especially defensive players <force difficult shots in traffic>

— the traffic will bear

: existing conditions will allow or permit <charge what the traffic will bear>

Examples of TRAFFIC

1. Let's leave early to avoid rush hour traffic.
2. Traffic is backed up to the bridge.
3. Barge traffic was halted because of flooding.
4. Airlines saw a decrease in passenger traffic this year.

Origin of TRAFFIC

Middle French trafique, from Old Italian traffico, from trafficare to trade in coastal waters

First Known Use: 1549

Related to TRAFFIC

Synonyms: business, marketplace, trade, commerce

Related Words: free trade; black market, gray market; dealings, horse-trading; e-tail, merchandising, retailing, wholesaling; bartering

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See Synonym Discussion at business

Rhymes with TRAFFIC

graphic, maffick, sapphic