trade

1 a giving or taking of one thing of value in return for another when the other team unexpectedly offered to hand over its top pitcher for our star shortstop, our coach agreed to the trade Synonyms back-and-forth, barter, commutation, dicker, quid pro quo, swap, exchange, trade-off, truckRelated Words replacement, substitution; reciprocation, recompense, requital; bargain, deal, horse trade, negotiation, transaction; bargaining, dealing, dickering, haggling, horse trading; logrolling

2 an occupation requiring skillful use of the hands a youth eager to learn the trade of cabinetmaking Synonyms art, handcraft, handicraft, craftRelated Words skill; calling, métier (also metier), occupation, profession, vocation

3 the activity by which one regularly makes a living writing is my trade Synonyms calling, employment, game, lay, line, profession, occupation, vocation, workRelated Words call, lifework; business, enterprise, field, livelihood, living, métier (also metier), racket [slang]; assignment, engagement, gig, mission; art, craft, handcraft, handicraft; appointment, berth, billet, office, place, position, post, situation; duty, function, job, load, task, workloadNear Antonyms avocation, hobby, pursuit

4 the buying and selling of goods especially on a large scale and between different places a bill regulating trade with that country Synonyms business, marketplace, commerce, trafficRelated Words free trade; black market, gray market; dealings, horse-trading; e-tail, merchandising, retailing, wholesaling; bartering

5 the transfer of ownership of something from one person to another for a price the trade of all of her holdings in the company just before the stock plunged in value immediately aroused suspicions Synonyms deal, sale, transactionRelated Words auction, silent auction; haggle, horse-trading, negotiation; bargain, buy, steal; purchase; clearance, closeout, fire sale; fair; garage sale, jumble sale [British], rummage sale, tag sale, yard sale