free trade

noun

: trade based on the unrestricted international exchange of goods with tariffs used only as a source of revenue

Examples of free trade in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Beverly Mendoza, assistant professor of economics and finance at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, said tariffs are an economic tool used to limit free trade. —Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Feb. 2025

After World War II, the United States pushed for other countries to lower trade barriers and tariffs, seeing free trade as a way to promote peace, prosperity and American exports around the world. —Christopher Rugaber, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2025

An Abacus Data survey specifically showed that overwhelming majorities value free trade between the U.S. and Canada. —Nathaniel Rakich, ABC News, 13 Feb. 2025

Trump’s threats mark the dawn of a more openly coercive order in which economic intimidation replaces free trade and international cooperation as a currency of power. —Ivo H. Daalder, Foreign Affairs, 30 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for free trade

• afraid
• allayed
• arcade
• arrayed
• assayed
• barmaid
• betrayed
• blockade
• bridesmaid
• brigade
• brocade
• buffeted

Kids Definition

free trade

noun

: trade between nations without restrictions (as high taxes on imports)