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

As negotiations with Canada and Mexico continue, strong enforcement and free and fair trade policies are essential to Chicago’s industrial base. — Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026

In 2014 the community founded APIDIP (Asociación del Pueblo Indígena para el Desarrollo Integral Productivo de la Aldea Pinares), which today has 156 members and exports fair trade, organic cacao. — Lys Arango, Vogue, 8 Nov. 2026

According to the cooperative, its Co+op Basics products, of which Field Day is a part, already offer prices up to 30% lower than comparable name-brand organic, natural, fair trade and non-GMO products. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026

Following a pledge last month from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to rebalance fair trade, cut red tape and strengthen industrial and strategic autonomy, Euratex said that the Commission must act immediately on those commitments. — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1947, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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