trade

1 a giving or taking of one thing of value in return for another <when the other team unexpectedly offered to hand over its top pitcher for our star shortstop, our coach agreed to the trade> Synonyms back-and-forth, barter, commutation, dicker, quid pro quo, swap, exchange, trade-off, truckRelated Words replacement, substitution; reciprocation, recompense, requital; bargain, deal, horse trade, negotiation, transaction; bargaining, dealing, dickering, haggling, horse trading; logrolling

2 an occupation requiring skillful use of the hands <a youth eager to learn the trade of cabinetmaking> Synonyms art, handcraft, handicraft, craftRelated Words skill; calling, métier (also metier), occupation, profession, vocation

3 the activity by which one regularly makes a living <writing is my trade> Synonyms calling, employment, game, lay, line, profession, occupation, vocation, workRelated Words call, lifework; business, enterprise, field, livelihood, living, métier (also metier), racket [slang]; assignment, engagement, gig, mission; art, craft, handcraft, handicraft; appointment, berth, billet, office, place, position, post, situation; duty, function, job, load, task, workloadNear Antonyms avocation, hobby, pursuit

4 the buying and selling of goods especially on a large scale and between different places <a bill regulating trade with that country> Synonyms business, marketplace, commerce, trafficRelated Words free trade; black market, gray market; dealings, horse-trading; e-tail, merchandising, retailing, wholesaling; bartering

5 the transfer of ownership of something from one person to another for a price <the trade of all of her holdings in the company just before the stock plunged in value immediately aroused suspicions> Synonyms deal, sale, transactionRelated Words auction, silent auction; haggle, horse-trading, negotiation; bargain, buy, steal; purchase; clearance, closeout, fire sale; fair; garage sale, jumble sale [British], rummage sale, tag sale, yard sale