WordGarden.iohaggle
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈæɡəl/
US
- /ˈhæɡəl/
Meanings
Verb
to negotiate back and forth over a price or deal
to argue or quibble over details
Noun
an act of bargaining or arguing over price or terms
Beyond the definition
If you're at a market in Morocco and trying to get a better price on a beautiful rug, you're trying to talk the seller down. This word means negotiating, usually about price, with offers and counteroffers going back and forth. It's common in places where prices are not fixed, like flea markets, bazaars, garage sales, or when buying from an individual seller. It can feel a little stressful, but when it works, it feels like a small win. You might do this over a used car, a piece of furniture, or even a service bill.
Haggling is the process of negotiating the price of something through repeated discussion and back-and-forth offers. It's more than simply asking for a discount. Usually, one person wants to pay less, the other wants to get more, and both sides keep talking until they reach a price they can accept, or decide not to make the deal at all.
Historically, this was a normal part of buying and selling in many places, especially in open-air markets and bazaars. Today, it's less common in large stores with fixed prices, but it still appears in flea markets, antique shops, garage sales, online marketplaces, and direct deals between private buyers and sellers.
It isn't always only about saving money; it can also be a social exchange, sometimes friendly and sometimes tense. A buyer might ask whether the price is firm, offer a lower amount, and give a reason, such as a small flaw or a limited budget. The seller may then make a counteroffer, and the discussion continues until both sides agree or one side walks away.
While it's often linked with street markets or travel, it can happen anywhere the price is open to discussion. The idea usually includes persistence, bargaining skill, and a bit of confidence, but it also suggests staying respectful. If the price is not set in stone, this kind of back-and-forth may help you get a better deal.
Examples
- 1
Street market
At the street market, she haggled over the price of a scarf.
- 2
Car buying
I'm not good at haggling with car dealers.
- 3
Shared expenses
We spent half the morning haggling over who would pay for the repairs.
- 4
Contract negotiation
The two sides are still haggling over the final details of the contract.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Fixed pricing
The store uses no-haggle pricing, so the price on the tag is the price you pay.
- Phraseno-haggle pricing
fixed prices with no bargaining
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- haggleverbnoun
Forms
- haggling-ing formverbnoun
- haggledpast tenseverbnoun
- hagglesverbnoun