1 B1 neutral
To buy and sell a particular type of goods or commodity as a business.
"He deals in rare stamps and vintage coins at markets across the country."
inseparable
deal in
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To buy and sell a particular type of goods as a business; or figuratively, to work within the realm of particular ideas or qualities.
In plain English
To make money by selling a particular kind of thing, or to work with certain types of ideas.
What does "deal in" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To operate in or concern oneself with a particular type of idea, information, or abstract quality.
"That newspaper has always dealt in sensationalism rather than hard facts."
inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic informal
(Informal) To include someone in a card game or, by extension, in a plan or activity.
"Deal me in — I'll put up fifty dollars."
“
"Deal me in."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To deal (engage in trade) in (within) a particular area.
Actually means
To make money by selling a particular kind of thing, or to work with certain types of ideas.
Usage tip
The commercial sense is common and widely used in business language. The figurative sense ('dealing in half-truths', 'dealing in fear') is common in journalism and political commentary. When referring to illegal goods, 'deal in' can be used but is less stark than 'traffic in'.
Words that pair with "deal in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
antiques drugs arms stocks information second-hand goods
How to conjugate "deal in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
deal in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
deals in
he/she/it
Past simple
dealt in
yesterday
Past participle
dealt in
have + pp
-ing form
dealing in
continuous
Hear "deal in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "deal in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.