contract

noun
UK: /ˈkɒntrækt/
US: /ˈkɑːntrækt/

  1. A written or spoken agreement, especially one concerning employment, sales, or tenancy, that is intended to be enforceable by law.

    1. I have a contract to work here for five years. [ ] [ ]
    2. The company has a contract with a local firm to supply the parts. [ ] [ ]

  2. A document that describes the terms of an agreement.

    1. Read the contract carefully before you sign it. [ ] [ ]
    2. Make sure the contract specifies who is responsible for repairs. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

shrink deal reduce pact agreement
contract verb

  1. To decrease in size, number, or range.

    1. Metal contracts as it cools down. [ ] [ ]
    2. The economy is expected to contract by 2% this year, according to reports. [ ] [ ]

  2. To become shorter or narrower.

    1. The pupils of her eyes contracted in the bright light. [ ] [ ]
    2. During an eclipse, the area of visibility will contract significantly. [ ] [ ]

  3. To get an illness.

    1. He contracted malaria while travelling. [ ] [ ]
    2. Many people contracted the virus during the winter months last year. [ ] [ ]

  4. To enter into a formal agreement.

    1. The company contracted to build the new road. [ ] [ ]
    2. They contracted a local firm to do the maintenance work on the building. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "contract" in English means: A written or spoken agreement, especially one concerning employment, sales, or tenancy, that is intended to be enforceable by law., A document that describes the terms of an agreement..

The phonetic transcription of "contract" is /ˈkɒntrækt/ in British English and /ˈkɑːntrækt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "contract": shrink, deal, reduce, pact, agreement.

Example usage of "contract": "I have a contract to work here for five years.". More examples on the page.