noun / verb

exchange

iks-CHAYNJ/ɪkstʃˈeɪndʒ/

The giving of one thing in return for another.

The two adults exchange a book and a small potted plant.

Two adults exchange a book for a small potted plant, both giving and receiving simultaneously.

Etymology

The central idea is barter: parting with something for an equivalent in return. The commercial meaning broadened to giving and receiving reciprocally, even when no trade is involved.

In context

Belgrave St. Bartholomew’s Academy0:10

your child learns to exchange a single picture for an item that they want

PECS | An Introduction to the Picture Exchange Communication System | The Avenue

More examples

Our meeting ends with an exchange of ideas.
She exchanges the damaged sweater for a new one.
I exchange dollars for euros before traveling.

Forms

exchange · exchanges · exchanged · exchanging

exchangeable adjective — Able to be traded for something else.

Similar words

trade: Often emphasizes a commercial transaction or negotiated deal.
swap: More informal; often describes directly trading items or places.
barter: Specifically means trading goods or services without using money.