black-market
[ blak-mahr-kit ]
/ ˈblækˈmɑr kɪt /
verb (used without object)
to black-marketeer.
verb (used with object)
to sell (something) in the black market.
Origin of black-market
First recorded in 1930–35; v. use of
black market
Words nearby black-market
Definition for black-market (2 of 2)
black market
noun
the illicit buying and selling of goods in violation of legal price controls, rationing, etc.
a place where such activity is carried on.
Origin of black market
First recorded in 1930–35
Example sentences from the Web for black-market
British Dictionary definitions for black-market
black market
noun
- any system in which goods or currencies are sold and bought illegally, esp in violation of controls or rationing
- (as modifier)black market lamb
the place where such a system operates
verb black-market
to sell (goods) on the black market
Derived forms of black market
black marketeer, nounCultural definitions for black-market
black market
The illegal buying and selling of goods above the price fixed by a government. Black markets usually develop when, because of war, disaster, or public policy, a government tries to set prices for commodities instead of allowing the normal operations of supply and demand to set prices.