traffic
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.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>
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>
See Examples of TRAFFIC
- Let's leave early to avoid rush hour traffic.
- Traffic is backed up to the bridge.
- Barge traffic was halted because of flooding.
- 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
See Synonym Discussion at business
2traffic
verbtraf·fickedtraf·fick·ing
Definition of TRAFFIC
intransitive verb
1
: to carry on traffic
2
transitive verb
1
a : to travel over <heavily trafficked highways> b : to visit as a customer <a highly trafficked bookstore>
Examples of TRAFFIC
- <arrested him for trafficking in drugs>
First Known Use of TRAFFIC
1540
Learn More About TRAFFIC
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: trafficability
Previous Word in the Dictionary: traf
All Words Near: traffic
Previous Word in the Dictionary: traf
All Words Near: traffic
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up traffic? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
