English Dictionary

Define dictionary terms easily in our powerful online English dictionary.

Searching for...

No matching words found

Try a different search term or browse the dictionary

Definition contract in British English

contract noun

[countable] noun
/ˈkɒntrækt/

▪ award, break, draft, draw up, fulfil, honour, negotiate, renew, secure, sign, terminate, win

1

a written legal agreement between two people or businesses that says what each must do for the other or give to the other

Example

After six months she was offered a contract of employment.

Example

The firm has won a £5 million contract to build ships for the navy.

Example

Our contract with the BBC expires next year.

Example

Are you on a permanent or a fixed-term contract?

Example

She is still under contract to Microsoft.

Example

Under his contract he is not allowed to work for any other publisher.

Example

The court found that the company was in breach of contract.

Example

He has signed a six-year contract with Manchester United.

Example

In order for it to be valid, both parties have to enter into the contract voluntarily.

Example

The employer can terminate the contract of employment with immediate effect.

Example

The house has been sold subject to contract.

Example

The contract for building the hospital has been awarded to a Dutch company.

Synonyms and related words
2

an agreement by which someone is paid to kill another person

Example

a contract killer/killing

Example

She was accused of taking out a contract on her own husband.

Synonyms and related words
Definition contract in British English