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

Hidalgo-Monroy Wohlgemuth argues that, even with initiatives that offer farmers a livable income and pricing stability, such fair trade agreements aren’t a catch-all solution for rural livelihood development. —JSTOR Daily, 11 Oct. 2025

Our commitment to fair trade certification for the people in our supply chains, that continues. —Fortune Editors, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025

Over the years Philippine counter-trafficking projects have found some ways to increase financial self-reliance, for instance by starting fair trade farming projects. —Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

Sounds like a fair trade, not to mention a good opportunity for Dexter to practice his improv skills. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1947, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for fair-trade

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

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