salesman
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for salesman, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A man whose job is to sell products, either in a store or by visiting customers.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From sales + man.
Full origin of salesman →Frequently asked questions
What does “salesman” mean?
The word “salesman” means a man whose job is to sell products, either in a store or by visiting customers. In plain terms, a man who sells things for a living.
How do you use “salesman” in a sentence?
Here is “salesman” used in a sentence: “The salesman gave a persuasive pitch about the vacuum cleaner.”
What part of speech is “salesman”?
“Salesman” is a noun.
Is “salesman” a common word?
“Salesman” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a salesman and a salesperson?
Salesman specifically refers to a man whose job is to sell products, either in a store or by visiting customers, while salesperson is a gender-neutral term covering anyone in that role regardless of gender. Many modern workplaces prefer salesperson or sales representative to avoid assuming the seller's gender.
Is 'salesman' still commonly used today?
Salesman is still used, particularly in set phrases like 'traveling salesman' or 'used car salesman,' but gender-neutral alternatives such as salesperson or sales rep are increasingly preferred in professional and formal contexts. Usage often depends on the specific job title and the norms of the industry or region.
What is a 'traveling salesman'?
A traveling salesman is a salesman who visits customers directly, often across a wide territory, rather than selling from a fixed store location. The term is also well known from the mathematical 'traveling salesman problem,' which uses the job as a basis for a routing optimization puzzle.