Merchandise Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🛍️
Add to dictionary

merchandise

[ˈmɜː.tʃən.daɪz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

buying and selling

Goods to be bought and sold; commercial wares.

Synonyms

goods, items, products.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
merchandise

Typically used in retail or business contexts, often when talking about items for sale in a store. It can also be used to describe promotional items.

  • The store had new merchandise displayed in the window.
  • We received a shipment of promotional merchandise for the event.
products

Used in marketing, advertising, and business to refer to manufactured or processed items that a company sells. This term emphasizes the end result of production processes.

  • Our new line of skincare products is now available.
  • The company is known for its high-quality electronic products.
goods

A general term used in business and legal contexts, often referring to products that are transported or traded, and can include both raw materials and finished products.

  • The company specializes in importing goods from Asia.
  • The contract included a clause about the delivery of goods.
items

A broad and casual term used in everyday conversation to refer to individual units or pieces, often in various contexts including shopping and inventory.

  • I need to pick up a few items from the grocery store.
  • These items are on sale today.

Examples of usage

  • The store offers a wide range of merchandise for customers to choose from.
  • The online platform allows small businesses to showcase their merchandise to a global audience.
Context #2 | Verb

promoting products

Promote the sale of goods, especially by their presentation in retail outlets.

Synonyms

advertise, market, promote.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
merchandise

This appears to be a duplicate entry. Refer to the primary entry for 'merchandise' for context and examples.

promote

Use 'promote' when referring to activities aimed at encouraging the growth or increased use of a product, service, or idea.

  • They hired a celebrity to promote their new line of sportswear.
  • The event was designed to promote awareness about environmental issues.
market

The word 'market' is used in two primary contexts. It can refer to the action of promoting and selling goods or services, or it can mean the place or environment where buying and selling occur.

  • They plan to market their new software to tech companies.
  • She went to the farmer's market to buy fresh vegetables.
advertise

This word is best used when you want to talk about making something known to the public through various means like posters, commercials, or online ads.

  • They decided to advertise the new product on social media.
  • The company spent a significant budget on advertising during the holiday season.

Examples of usage

  • The company is heavily merchandising their new line of clothing in stores and online.
  • Effective merchandising can lead to increased sales and brand visibility.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Economics

  • Merchandise is crucial for retail businesses, making up a significant portion of their revenue.
  • Availability of attractive merchandise often drives consumer spending during holiday seasons.
  • Supply chains involving merchandise include production, distribution, warehousing, and retail.

Pop Culture

  • Music bands and movies often sell merchandise to fans, creating a way for supporters to show their enthusiasm.
  • Limited edition merchandise can significantly increase in value, akin to collectibles.
  • The phrase 'merch' is commonly used today, especially in fan communities and streaming platforms.

Digital Marketing

  • Online stores use images and videos of merchandise to attract buyers through advertising.
  • Brand merchandising strategies ensure that products resonate with targeted demographics effectively.
  • Social media influencers often promote specific merchandise, showcasing how it's part of their lifestyle.

Psychology

  • Consumers often experience emotional connections to merchandise, tied to personal memories or identities.
  • The visual appeal of merchandise can trigger impulse buying by captivating customer attention.
  • Merchandise color and packaging significantly influence buying decisions, tapping into psychological responses.

Origin of 'merchandise'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'merx,' meaning goods or wares.
  • It evolved through Old French, which had 'merchandise' referring to trade and commercial activities.
  • The term became widely used in English around the 14th century, reflecting the growth of markets.

The word 'merchandise' originated from the Old French word 'merchandise', which comes from the Latin 'merx, merc-' meaning 'goods, merchandise'. The concept of buying and selling goods has been essential to trade and commerce throughout history, with 'merchandise' serving as a term to refer to the products offered for sale.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,070, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.