merchandise

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.

“Merchandise” is pronounced MUR-chuhn-dys (/ˈmɝ.t͡ʃənˌdaɪs/ in IPA).

Here is “merchandise” used in a sentence: “The store's shelves were packed with holiday merchandise.”

Words with a similar meaning to “merchandise” include merch, wares and product.

Depending on how it is used, “merchandise” can be a noun and a verb.

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.".

“Merchandise” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Merchandise” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: goods that are bought and sold as part of trade.

"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.

"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.

"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."

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.