merchandise
MUR-chuhn-dys
Merchandise (noun) means Goods that are bought and sold as part of trade. Example: “The store's shelves were packed with holiday merchandise.”
noun
1
Goods that are bought and sold as part of trade.
"The store's shelves were packed with holiday merchandise."
"Customs officials inspected the merchandise before it could clear the port."
"The warehouse stores merchandise until the lorries come to collect it."
2
Branded products tied to a team, show, artist, or similar, sold to fans — usually just called "merch."
"The tour sold over a million dollars in merchandise."
"Fans queued at the stall to buy shirts and other merchandise."
"The cartoon's merchandise includes mugs, toys and pencil cases."
verb
1
To buy and sell goods, or to promote and display goods for sale.
"Retailers merchandise seasonal items near the store entrance to boost impulse buys."
"Shops merchandise their best products at eye level to attract buyers."
"She was hired to merchandise the new range in the front window."
How to use merchandise
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishProducts for sale, or the act of promoting/selling those products.
Common pairings
general merchandise
merchandise display
sell merchandise
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Word forms
- Plural
- merchandises
- Third person singular
- merchandises
- Past tense
- merchandised
Fill the gap
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The store's shelves were packed with holiday _____.
Etymology
From Old French marcheandise, tracing back to Latin mercatus, "trade" or "market" — the same root that gives us "market" and "commerce."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for merchandise
See all rhymes for merchandise →Frequently asked questions
What does “merchandise” mean?
The word “merchandise” means goods that are bought and sold as part of trade. In plain terms, products for sale, or the act of promoting/selling those products.
How do you pronounce “merchandise”?
“Merchandise” is pronounced MUR-chuhn-dys (/ˈmɝ.t͡ʃənˌdaɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “merchandise” in a sentence?
Here is “merchandise” used in a sentence: “The store's shelves were packed with holiday merchandise.”
What is another word for “merchandise”?
Words with a similar meaning to “merchandise” include merch, wares and product.
What part of speech is “merchandise”?
Depending on how it is used, “merchandise” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “merchandise” come from?
The word “merchandise” comes from Latin. From Old French marcheandise, tracing back to Latin mercatus, "trade" or "market" — the same root that gives us "market" and "commerce.".
Is “merchandise” a common word?
“Merchandise” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “merchandise” have?
“Merchandise” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: goods that are bought and sold as part of trade.
What is the difference between "merchandise" and "merch"?
"Merch" is the informal short form of "merchandise." It usually refers specifically to branded products tied to a band, show, artist, or team, such as T-shirts and posters, whereas "merchandise" can mean any goods bought and sold in trade.
What is the difference between "merchandise" and "merchandising"?
"Merchandise" refers to the goods themselves, and can also be a verb meaning to buy, sell, or promote goods. "Merchandising" is the activity of displaying, promoting, and marketing those goods to encourage sales. In short, merchandise is the product; merchandising is the strategy behind selling it.
Is "merchandise" countable or uncountable?
"Merchandise" is an uncountable (mass) noun, so it takes a singular verb and is not used in the plural. You say "the merchandise is ready," not "merchandises." To count it, use phrases like "items of merchandise" or "pieces of merchandise."
How is "merchandise" used as a verb?
As a verb, "merchandise" means to buy and sell goods, or to promote and display goods for sale. For example, a shop might "merchandise its products" by arranging attractive displays to encourage buying.
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