Definition of "banter" in English

noun

1. Sharp, good-humoured, playful, typically spontaneous conversation.

2. Good-humoured bits of monologue and/or conversational prompts used in any of a wide range of occupations that must frequently interact with the public (for example, store clerks, salespersons, nurses).

verb

1. (intransitive) To engage in banter or playful conversation.

2. (intransitive) To play or do something amusing.

3. (transitive) To tease (someone) mildly.

4. (transitive) To joke about; to ridicule (a trait, habit, etc.).

   • June 1804, William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham If they banter your regularity, order, and love of study, banter in return their neglect of them.

5. (transitive) To delude or trick; to play a prank upon.

6. (transitive, US, Southern and Western, colloquial) To challenge to a match.

7. (UK, dialect) To haggle; cheapen the price.