Merchant

Definition

Merchant is an individual or company involved in wholesale trade, especially one dealing with foreign countries or supplying goods to a particular trade.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɜrtʃənt/
• Respelling: MUR-chuhnt (with "MUR" as in "murder" and "chuhnt" as in "challenge")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɜːtʃənt/
• Respelling: MUR-chuhnt (with "MUR" as in "murder" and "chuhnt" as in "challenge")

In both dialects, "merchant" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "MUR." The pronunciation is very similar across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "MUR-chuhnt."

Etymology

The term "merchant" originates from the Middle English "marchant," which is derived from the Old French word "marchant," based on the Latin "mercari," meaning to trade or traffic, from "mercis," meaning goods or merchandise.

Derivatives

• Merchandise
• Merchantable
• Merchantman
• Merchantship
• Merchanting

Synonyms

• Trader
• Dealer
• Vendor

Antonyms

• Buyer
• Consumer
• Purchaser

Usage

"Merchants" are commonly involved in the buying and selling of goods, often in bulk and typically engaged in international trade or wholesale markets. They play a critical role in the distribution of products from manufacturers to retailers or directly to consumers.

Related Terms

Merchandise: Goods bought and sold in commerce.

Commerce: The activity of buying and selling, especially on a large scale.

Trade: The action of buying and selling goods and services.

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Trade Professional: A person or company involved in the wholesale trade of goods, especially one dealing with foreign countries.
  • Example: "The merchant imported spices from the East Indies."
• Specific Trader: A person engaged in the business of selling goods in a particular trade.
  • Example: "Local merchants often sponsor community events."

Adjective

• Merchant (Adjective): Relating to merchants or commerce.
  • Example: "The merchant fleet set sail with a cargo of valuable textiles."