To haggle means to argue or negotiate back and forth over the price of something, usually trying to pay less than what's being asked. When you haggle, you actively discuss the price, make counteroffers, and try to reach an agreement that works for both sides.

Haggling is common at garage sales, flea markets, and bazaars around the world. A vendor might ask for $20 for an old baseball glove, and you might offer $12. They counter with $17, you suggest $15, and eventually you shake hands on $16. Both sides give a little to make a deal happen.

In some cultures and marketplaces, haggling is expected and even enjoyable. Sellers deliberately set higher initial prices because they know customers will haggle them down. In other places, like most American stores, prices are fixed and haggling would seem rude or pointless. However, even in America people might haggle in informal environments like yard sales.