Products: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'products' when referring to items that have been manufactured or cultivated for sale, especially in a business context.

• The company launched new products this season
• All our products are made with eco-friendly materials

Use 'goods' in a more general context to refer to items for sale, especially in legal, commercial, or formal settings.

• The shipment of goods arrived yesterday
• They signed the contract for the exchange of goods and services

Use 'merchandise' when referring to items that are bought and sold, often in a retail context. This term can also apply to promotional items.

• The store has a wide variety of merchandise
• They are selling branded merchandise at the concert

Use 'items' when referring to individual units of a list or collection, often in a more informal or casual conversation.

• Can you add these items to the shopping list? She bought a few items from the store

Use 'products' when referring to items created for sale or distribution.

• The company released a new range of skincare products

Use 'substances' when talking about materials with particular physical characteristics, often in scientific or technical contexts.

• Hazardous substances should be handled with care

Use 'compounds' in a scientific or technical context, usually when referring to a substance formed from two or more elements chemically united in fixed proportions.

• Water is a compound made from hydrogen and oxygen

Refers to items that are created or produced, particularly with the intention of being sold or used. This word is suitable for general discussion about goods or items offered by a business.

• The company offers a wide range of products
• Our new products will be available next month

Used when talking about originating or designing something new from scratch. Suitable when emphasis is on the innovation or invention aspect.

• She wants to create a unique piece of art
• The team aims to create a new user interface for the application

Implies a process of growth or improvement over time. It is often used in a context where something is being refined, enhanced, or evolved.

• They are working to develop a more efficient engine
• The researchers developed a new method for data analysis

Refers to the process of producing large quantities of goods, typically in a factory setting. It emphasizes the production process and can suggest mass production.

• The factory manufactures automotive parts
• This company manufactures high-end electronic devices