Dealer: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly refers to someone who buys and sells a particular product, often in bulk or as a specialty. This word is also frequently used in contexts involving illegal activities, such as drugs.

• The car dealer offered me a good discount.
• The police arrested a known drug dealer in the area.

Typically used for someone who engages in the buying and selling of commodities, stocks, currencies, etc., on a market. It can also refer to someone engaged in bartering or trading goods in a more general sense.

• He works as a currency trader on Wall Street.
• The ancient traders exchanged goods along the Silk Road.

Often used to describe a person or company involved in wholesale or large-scale trade, usually dealing in a specific type of goods. This term has a somewhat formal or historical connotation.

• The merchant sold spices and rare fabrics.
• In the medieval market, merchants were respected figures.

A general term for anyone who is selling something, regardless of scale or formality. It is often used in everyday situations.

• The seller on eBay shipped my package quickly.
• She is a well-known book seller in this town.

Commonly used to describe a person who buys and sells goods, often in a specific trade such as cars, art, or drugs. It can also refer to someone who deals cards in a card game.

• The car dealer offered him a good price for his old vehicle.
• At the casino, the dealer shuffled the cards before the game started.

Typically used to describe a person or company that supplies goods to stores and businesses, rather than directly to consumers.

• The distributor delivered a new batch of products to the local grocery stores.
• They are the main distributor for various electronic brands in the region.

Specifically refers to a person who uses skill and often deceit to win at card games. This term carries a negative connotation as it implies dishonesty.

• He realized too late that he was playing with a cardsharp who had been cheating the entire evening.
• In old movies, cardsharps are often portrayed as cunning and untrustworthy characters.

Specifically when talking about someone who deals with illegal drugs. This term generally carries a negative connotation.

• The police arrested a known drug dealer in the neighborhood.

Describes someone who is deeply involved in the large-scale distribution and smuggling of illegal drugs. This term is used in legal and official contexts and implies criminal activity.

• The authorities intercepted a well-known drug trafficker at the border.
• International agencies are working together to crack down on drug traffickers.

A slang term for a person who sells illegal drugs, commonly on the streets. It has a strongly negative connotation.

• The local community is worried about the increase in pushers in the area.