black market

¹ American  

noun

1. the illicit buying and selling of goods in violation of legal price controls, rationing, etc.

2. a place where such activity is carried on.

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black-market ² American  

[blak-mahr-kit] / ˈblækˈmɑr kɪt /

verb (used without object)

1. to black-marketeer.

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verb (used with object)

1. to sell (something) in the black market.

black market British  

noun

1. 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

2. the place where such a system operates

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verb

1. to sell (goods) on the black market

black market Cultural  

1. 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.

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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

He also fears a new black market for fuel may emerge over the coming months - adding to worries about the rising prices of commodities.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Iran’s central bank, one presumes, injected foreign currency into the black market to prop up the rial.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

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 • Feb. 27, 2026

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 • Feb. 15, 2026

“The two girls sell it all on the black market and use the money to buy flashy costume jewelry and cheap perfume.”

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller