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

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

  1. any system in which goods or currencies are sold and bought illegally, esp in violation of controls or rationing
  2. (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, noun

Cultural 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.