Swap: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when two parties agree to give each other something of roughly equal value, often informally.

• Let's swap books when we're done reading
• They swapped lunch items at school

Indicates the act of giving one thing and receiving another, suitable for both formal and informal scenarios.

• We exchanged gifts during the holiday
• The students exchanged phone numbers after the class

Often used in a more commercial or economic context, suggesting a formal or professional exchange of goods or services.

• They traded stocks on the market
• The two countries trade a lot of goods

Implies changing from one thing to another, often used when referring to actions, positions, or states, rather than physical objects.

• She decided to switch careers last year
• He switched seats with his friend

Refers to a system of exchange where goods or services are traded directly without the use of money, usually in a more formal or traditional setting.

• In the old days, people would barter goods instead of using money
• They bartered their handmade crafts for fresh produce at the market

Used informally when you give one thing and receive another thing in return, often used for simple transactions between friends or in casual settings.

• Let's swap books for the weekend
• They swapped their old phone for a smartwatch

Used in both formal and informal contexts to describe giving and receiving something of similar value, often used for official or organized scenarios like currency exchange or student exchange programs.

• He exchanged his dollars for euros at the airport
• The schools have an exchange program with students from Germany

Used in both casual and business contexts to describe the exchange of goods and services, often involving a more complex or commercial transaction.

• They traded baseball cards at the local store
• The countries agreed to trade agricultural products

Used when you change one thing for another, often used in the context of changing decisions, places, or positions. It implies a more deliberate or systemic change.

• She switched seats with him to have a better view
• The company switched to a new software system

Used in a more formal or traditional context when you exchange goods or services directly without using money. Often used to describe historical trade practices or in situations where money is not involved.

• In ancient times, people would barter goods like grain and livestock
• They bartered their skills for food and shelter