Dealer
ˈdiːlə(r)
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who trades in something, typically goods or services, often on a commercial scale. This can range from legal businesses to illegal activities.
ˈdiːlə(r)
A person who buys and sells goods, especially illegally.
The car dealer offered us a good price on the new model.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who's like a middleman—they buy stuff and then sell it to others. If it's cars, they're a car dealer; if it's cards in a game, they're the dealer; if it's something you shouldn’t have, they might be a drug dealer.
👶 For kids: A dealer is someone who buys and sells things. Like, a car dealer sells cars!
More Examples
The police apprehended a drug dealer.
He is a licensed art dealer.
How It's Used
"Car dealers must adhere to specific ethical guidelines."
"Police arrested a drug dealer."
In card games, the person who shuffles and distributes the cards to the players.
ˈdiːlə(r)
The person who distributes cards in a card game.
It was the dealer's turn to shuffle and deal the cards.
💡 Simply: If you play cards, the dealer is the person who gives everyone their cards.
👶 For kids: The dealer is the person who gives out the cards in a card game.
More Examples
The dealer dealt each player two cards.
The dealer announced, "Place your bets."
How It's Used
"The dealer shuffled and dealt the cards."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Deal with
To take action to solve a problem or situation.
"We need to deal with the unexpected expenses."
Card dealer
The person who deals cards in a card game.
"The card dealer announced, "Place your bets.""
Make a deal
To come to an agreement, typically in business or negotiation.
"The company made a deal with the supplier to lower the prices."
From Middle English delere, from Old English dēlan (“to divide, deal out”), from Proto-Germanic *dailijaną, from Proto-Indo-European *dʰaih₂- (“to divide, share”). The meaning evolved to encompass those who deal or trade in goods.
The word 'dealer' has been used since the 13th century, initially referring to someone who 'deals' or distributes goods or services. The term's meaning evolved to encompass various business activities.
Memory tip
Think of someone who 'deals' with things - whether it's cars, cards, or drugs.
Word Origin
"to divide, deal out, or distribute"