black market
1 Americannoun
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the illicit buying and selling of goods in violation of legal price controls, rationing, etc.
-
a place where such activity is carried on.
verb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
noun
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-
any system in which goods or currencies are sold and bought illegally, esp in violation of controls or rationing
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( as modifier )
black market lamb
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the place where such a system operates
verb
Other Word Forms
- black marketeer noun
Etymology
Origin of black market1
First recorded in 1930–35
Origin of black-market2
First recorded in 1930–35; v. use of black market
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
And despite sanctions, reports suggest it has been able to purchase some military equipment through the black market.
From BBC
The liquor policy which led to the arrests of AAP leaders was introduced by the Kejriwal government in 2021, saying it would curb black market sales, increase revenues and ensure even distribution of liquor licences.
From BBC
The currency has also collapsed, going from 570 Sudanese pounds to the US dollar before the war to 3,500 in 2026 on the black market.
From Barron's
The few drivers left fill up at an eye-popping $5 per liter on the black market, which has led fares to triple.
From Barron's
The 35,000-capacity R.Premadasa Stadium was sold out for the clash, with tickets going for more than four times face value on the black market.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
