buys; bought
ˈbɑːt 
; buying
; buying
1
: to get (something) by paying money for it : purchase
I bought a computer.
I bought this hat for $10.
He bought the quilt from a local artist.
He bought dinner for us. = He bought us dinner.
Stock prices are low, so now is a good time to buy.
2
of money
: to be able to get something
A quarter won't buy (you) much these days.
Money can't buy love.
3
informal
: to accept or believe (something) as true
He said it was a mistake, but I don't buy it.
4
informal
: to give money to someone in order to get that person to do something illegal or dishonest for you : bribe
—usually used as (be) bought
an honest policeman who can't be bought
5
: to get (something) by losing or giving up something
—usually used as (be) bought
Peace was finally bought, but at the cost of many lives.
plural buys
1
—used to describe something that is being sold
The toy is a popular buy. [=many people are buying the toy]
The shoes were a great buy [=deal] at 50 percent off the original price.
2
: an act of buying something
an undercover drug buy [=purchase, deal]
Cite this Entry
“Buy.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/buy. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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