Etymology

The term originated in mid-19th century England, and is believed to be a corruption of continuation, continue or contingent. In the past on the London Stock Exchange, contango was a fee paid by a buyer to a seller when the buyer wished to defer settlement of the trade they had agreed. The charge was based on the interest forgone by the seller not being paid.

Noun

1. The situation in a futures market where prices for future delivery are higher than prices for immediate (or nearer) delivery.

   2005: most of these other commodities are generally in contango — Futures Industry Magazine http://www.futuresindustry.org/fimagazi-1929.asp?a=1037

2. The amount by which prices for future delivery are higher than prices for near deliver.

   2003: Normally new buyers would go after the March silver contract, especially with such a small contango. — Bill Murphy, Kitco Bullion Dealers http://www.kitco.com/ind/Murphy/nov172003.html

1. Fee paid by a buyer to the seller on settlement day when the buyer wishes to defer settlement until the next settlement day.