plural bargains
1
: an agreement in which people or groups say they will do or give something in exchange for something else
I think everyone involved was satisfied with the bargain we made.
They've agreed to turn the land over to the state, and the state, as its part of the bargain, has agreed to keep it undeveloped.
The union is trying to strike a bargain [=reach an agreement, make a deal] with the company.
You're allowed to go to the football game tonight, but I expect you to keep your side of the bargain [=do what you agreed to do] and clean your room.
2
: something that is bought or sold for a price which is lower than the actual value : something bought or sold at a good price
For that price, the suit is a (real) bargain.
I got a bargain on the plane tickets. = The plane tickets were a bargain.
She likes to hunt for bargains when she shops.
—often used before another nounbargain airplane tickets
The store has many items on sale at bargain prices.
bargains; bargained; bargaining
: to discuss an agreement or price in order to make it more appealing
The price listed is quite high, but the seller might be willing to bargain.
He was bargaining [=haggling] with the taxi driver over/about the fare.
Teachers are bargaining [=negotiating] for higher salaries.
Cite this Entry
“Bargain.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/bargain. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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