¹traffic

noun, traf·fic often attributive \ˈtra-fik\

: all the vehicles driving along a certain road or in a certain area

: the movement of airplanes, ships, etc., along routes

: the amount of people who pass through a certain place or travel in a certain way

Full Definition of TRAFFIC

a : import and export trade

b : the business of bartering or buying and selling

c : illegal or disreputable usually commercial activity <the drug traffic>

a : communication or dealings especially between individuals or groups

b : exchange <a lively traffic in ideas — F. L. Allen>

archaic : wares, goods

a (1) : the movement (as of vehicles or pedestrians) through an area or along a route (2) : the vehicles, pedestrians, ships, or planes moving along a route (3) : congestion of vehicles <stuck in traffic>

b : the information or signals transmitted over a communications system : messages

a : the passengers or cargo carried by a transportation system

b : the business of transporting passengers or freight

: the volume of customers visiting a business establishment <restaurant traffic>

: a concentration of participants or players and especially defensive players <force difficult shots in traffic>

— the traffic will bear

: existing conditions will allow or permit <charge what the traffic will bear>

See traffic defined for English-language learners

See traffic defined for kids

Origin of TRAFFIC

Middle French trafique, from Old Italian traffico, from trafficare to trade in coastal waters

First Known Use: 1549

Related to TRAFFIC

Synonyms: business, marketplace, trade, commerce

Synonym Discussion of TRAFFIC

business, commerce, trade, industry, traffic mean activity concerned with the supplying and distribution of commodities. business may be an inclusive term but specifically designates the activities of those engaged in the purchase or sale of commodities or in related financial transactions. commerce and trade imply the exchange and transportation of commodities. industry applies to the producing of commodities, especially by manufacturing or processing, usually on a large scale. traffic applies to the operation and functioning of public carriers of goods and persons.