transaction

noun

trans·​ac·​tion tran-ˈzak-shən 

tran(t)-ˈsak-

1

a

: something transacted

especially : an exchange or transfer of goods, services, or funds

electronic transactions

b

transactions plural : the often published record of the meeting of a society or association

2

a

: an act, process, or instance of transacting

b

: a communicative action or activity involving two parties or things that reciprocally affect or influence each other

transactional

tran-ˈzak-sh(ə-)nəl 

tran(t)-ˈsak-

adjective

Synonyms of transaction

• sale

Examples of transaction in a Sentence

The entire transaction took place over the phone.

a record of your recent banking transactions

the transaction of business over the phone

Recent Examples on the Web

Look for small, unfamiliar charges because criminals often test accounts with tiny transactions before attempting larger withdrawals. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2026

Terms of the deal were not disclosed; the transaction is subject to customary conditions and is expected to close next quarter. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026

The figures, which are based on more than 500,000 weekly transactions covered by WorldACD’s data, indicate that global tonnages were relatively stable compared with the previous week, with capacity dipping 1 percent. —Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2026

According to secondhand luxury watch retailer Bezel, those under 30 account for a third of the company’s transactions. —Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for transaction

• abstraction
• attraction
• compaction
• contraction
• detraction
• diffraction
• distraction
• exaction
• extraction
• impaction
• inaction
• infraction

Kids Definition

transaction

noun

trans·​ac·​tion tran(t)s-ˈak-shən 

tranz-

1

a

: something transacted

especially : a business deal

b

plural : the record of the meeting of an organization

2

a

: an act, process, or instance of transacting

b

: an act of communication between two people who influence or change each other

Legal Definition

transaction

noun

trans·​ac·​tion tran-ˈzak-shən, -ˈsak- 

1

: something transacted

especially : an exchange or transfer of goods, services, or funds

2

a

: an act, process, or instance of transacting

b

: an action or activity involving two parties or things that reciprocally affect or influence each other

3

in the civil law of Louisiana : an onerous contract that is intended by the parties to prevent or end actual or possible litigation and in which they make reciprocal concessions compare accord, satisfaction