transaction

American  

[tran-sak-shuhn, -zak-] / trænˈsæk ʃən, -ˈzæk- /

noun

1. the act of transacting or the fact of being transacted.

2. an instance or process of transacting something.

   Synonyms:

   affair, venture, enterprise, bargain, deal

3. something that is transacted, especially a business agreement.

4. Psychology. an interaction of an individual with one or more other persons, especially as influenced by their assumed relational roles of parent, child, or adult.

5. transactions, the published records of the proceedings, as papers read, addresses delivered, or discussions, at the meetings of a learned society or the like.

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transaction British  

/ trænˈzækʃən /

noun

1. something that is transacted, esp a business deal or negotiation

2. the act of transacting or the state of being transacted

3. (plural) the published records of the proceedings of a society, conference, etc

4. (in business computing) the act of obtaining and paying for an item or service

5. (in general computing) the transmission and processing of an item of data

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Other Word Forms

• pretransaction noun
• transactional adjective
• transactionally adverb

Etymology

Origin of transaction

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Latin trānsāctiōn- (stem of trānsāctiō ) “completion, transaction”; transact, -ion

Explanation

A transaction is any kind of action involved in conducting business, or an interaction between people. When you go to the bank, fill out a form, and deposit your paycheck, you make a transaction. An important business deal can be called a transaction, particularly the buying or selling of goods, but you can call any exchange with another person a transaction. There are transactions involving money, ideas, and even e-mail. The Latin root transactionem describes an agreement or accomplishment. This led to a mid-15th century version of transaction that described the adjustment of a dispute.

Example Sentences

France’s planned syndicated transaction will come alongside auctions from the Netherlands and Germany, both tapping five-year bonds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

"This transaction would further consolidate an already concentrated media landscape, reducing competition at a moment when our industries—and the audiences we serve—can least afford it," they said.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

It’s not a transaction in which you write a check, and then you receive a note in the mail saying how kind you are.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

Bonta has told The Times that his office is reviewing the transaction to see if it violates antitrust rules.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Bono had seen the entirety of the transaction.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

Related Words

• action
• activity
• affair
• agreement
• bond
• business
• buying
• contract
• deal
• enterprise
• matter
• negotiation
• purchase
• sale
• selling