Merchant
'mɜːrtʃənt
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who buys and sells goods for profit, especially in wholesale.
'mɜːrtʃənt
A person involved in trade, especially wholesale.
The local merchant sold a variety of goods, from textiles to spices.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who buys lots of things and sells them to other people for more money. It's like a big store owner who gets things from factories and then sells them to smaller stores or even directly to you! For example, a coffee merchant buys coffee beans and sells them to coffee shops.
👶 For kids: A merchant is someone who buys and sells things to make money. Like someone who sells toys!
More Examples
During the medieval period, merchants played a crucial role in the growth of cities.
The company hired a skilled merchant to handle their international trade deals.
How It's Used
"The wealthy merchant financed the explorer's voyage."
"Venetian merchants controlled much of the spice trade."
Relating to trade or traders; commercial.
'mɜːrtʃənt
Relating to trade or merchants.
The merchant fleet sailed across the ocean to trade with distant lands.
💡 Simply: This means something is connected to buying and selling things. Like a 'merchant ship' carries goods, or 'merchant law' deals with business rules.
👶 For kids: Something that has to do with buying and selling.
More Examples
The merchant bank provides financial services to businesses.
A merchant agreement has been struck between the two countries.
How It's Used
"The merchant marine was vital for transporting goods."
"Merchant law governs commercial transactions."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Merchant of Venice
A play by William Shakespeare.
"The play, "The Merchant of Venice," explores themes of justice, mercy, and prejudice."
From Old French *marchant*, from Latin *mercans*, present participle of *mercari* 'to trade'.
The term 'merchant' has been in use for centuries, reflecting the long history of trade and commerce. It was particularly prominent during the medieval and Renaissance periods, when merchants played a pivotal role in the growth of cities and the expansion of global trade.
Memory tip
Think of a MARCHANT going to the market to buy and sell.
Word Origin
"Mercator (Latin): trader."