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 verb

verb
/kənˈtrækt/
1

if a substance such as metal contracts, it becomes smaller

Example

Steel contracts as it cools.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

if a muscle contracts, it becomes tighter

Synonyms and related words
2

to become infected with a disease

Example

She contracted pneumonia and died.

Synonyms and related words
3

to agree to do something, or to make someone agree to do something, by a formal written agreement

Example

They had contracted to supply the machinery by June.

Example

The firm was contracted to build 25 low-cost homes.

Synonyms and related words
Definition contract in British English