buy Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun an advantageous purchase
steal; bargain.
- she got a bargain at the auction
- the stock was a real buy at that price
verb obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction
purchase.
- The family purchased a new car
- The conglomerate acquired a new company
- She buys for the big department store
verb make illegal payments to in exchange for favors or influence
corrupt; grease one's palms; bribe.
- This judge can be bought
verb be worth or be capable of buying
- This sum will buy you a ride on the train
verb acquire by trade or sacrifice or exchange
- She wanted to buy his love with her dedication to him and his work
verb accept as true
- I can't buy this story

OE. buggen, buggen, bien, AS. bycgan, akin to OS. buggean, Goth. bugjan.

imperfect & past participle Bought present participle & verbal noun Buying

To acquire the ownership of (property) by giving an accepted price or consideration therefor, or by agreeing to do so; to acquire by the payment of a price or value; to purchase; -- opposed to sell.
Buy what thou hast no need of, and ere long thou wilt sell thy necessaries. B. Franklin.
To acquire or procure by something given or done in exchange, literally or figuratively; to get, at a cost or sacrifice; to buy pleasure with pain.
Buy the truth and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. Prov. xxiii. 23.

To negotiate or treat about a purchase.
I will buy with you, sell with you. Shak.