NYT Dictionary

BARGAIN

/ˈbɑːɹɡən/
NounVerbBAR-gainbar-gain · 2 syllablesGrade 4

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2023, 2025

Meaning

An agreement between parties concerning the sale of property; or a contract by which one party binds themself to transfer the right to some property for a consideration, and the other party binds themself to receive the property and pay the consideration.

Etymology

Origin: Old English

From Middle English bargaynen (“to bargain, make a pledge for sale”), from Old French bargaigner (“to bargain”), from Frankish *borganjan (“to borrow, lend”), from Proto-Germanic *burgijaną (“to borrow, lend”), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰergʰ- (“to protect, secure”). Akin to Old High German boragēn, borgēn (“to look after, care for”) (German borgen), Old English borgian (“to borrow, lend, pledge”). More at borrow. Compare French barguigner and Portuguese barganhar.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

contractengagementstipulationstealdealpurchaseagreebargaincome to termscovenant

Antonyms

rip-off

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 3 recorded puzzles:

Join the Spelling Bee Community

Get solving strategies, rare word lists, and puzzle tips in your inbox every week.