verb
peddle
PEH-duhl
Peddle (verb) means to sell goods, especially in small quantities or door to door. Example: “He used to peddle vegetables from a cart around the neighborhood.”
verb
1
To sell goods, especially in small quantities or door to door.
"He used to peddle vegetables from a cart around the neighborhood."
2
To sell illegal drugs.
"The gang was arrested for peddling drugs near the school."
3
To spread an idea, rumor, or claim, especially a dishonest or unwelcome one.
"The website was accused of peddling conspiracy theories."
How to use peddle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo sell something (often door to door or small-time), or more broadly to spread claims or rumors.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "pedal" (the foot lever/action) — same sound, different word entirely.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
peddle goods
peddle drugs
peddle lies
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- peddles
- Past tense
- peddled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He used to _____ vegetables from a cart around the neighborhood.
Etymology
A back-formation from "pedlar" (someone who sells goods while traveling), the way "burgle" was formed from "burglar."
Related words
Rhymes for peddle
See all rhymes for peddle →Frequently asked questions
What does “peddle” mean?
The word “peddle” means to sell goods, especially in small quantities or door to door. In plain terms, to sell something (often door to door or small-time), or more broadly to spread claims or rumors.
How do you pronounce “peddle”?
“Peddle” is pronounced PEH-duhl (/ˈpɛdəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “peddle” in a sentence?
Here is “peddle” used in a sentence: “He used to peddle vegetables from a cart around the neighborhood.”
What part of speech is “peddle”?
“Peddle” is a verb.
How many meanings does “peddle” have?
“Peddle” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to sell goods, especially in small quantities or door to door.
