Seller Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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seller

[ˈsɛlər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

person

A seller is a person or entity who sells goods or services in exchange for money. Sellers can operate in physical stores, online platforms, or through direct sales.

Synonyms

merchant, retailer, vendor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
seller

This word can be used in general contexts for anyone who sells goods or services, whether they're an individual or a business. It's a neutral term suitable for most situations.

  • The seller was very polite and offered me a discount.
  • You can contact the seller directly through the website.
vendor

This word often refers to someone selling goods in a specific, usually informal setting, like a street market or fair. It can also apply to a supplier in the context of business-to-business transactions.

  • We bought fresh fruit from a vendor at the farmers' market.
  • The company is looking for software vendors for their new project.
retailer

Use this term when referring to a business or individual that sells goods directly to consumers, typically in small quantities. It usually implies a physical or online store setup.

  • The retailer offers a wide range of products, from electronics to clothing.
  • Large retailers often have more competitive prices.
merchant

This term often applies to someone involved in the trade or commerce of goods, especially in larger quantities. It has a more formal or traditional feel compared to 'seller'.

  • Medieval merchants played a key role in the economy of the time.
  • She became a successful merchant, exporting goods all over the world.

Examples of usage

  • The seller at the market was offering fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • She is a successful seller on the e-commerce website.
  • The seller provided excellent customer service to attract more buyers.
Context #2 | Noun

real estate

In the context of real estate, a seller is the person or party who is selling a property. The seller may be an individual homeowner, a real estate agent, or a property developer.

Synonyms

developer, owner, vendor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
seller

Commonly used in a general context to refer to a person or company that sells products or services.

  • The seller agreed to lower the price of the item.
  • We need to find a reliable seller for these goods.
vendor

Often used in business contexts to describe a person or company selling products, usually larger-scale or supplying to other businesses. It can sometimes have a more formal or professional tone.

  • They are our main vendor for office supplies.
  • We need to negotiate better terms with our IT vendors.
owner

Used to refer to someone who possesses something, such as property, a business, or an item.

  • The owner of the restaurant decided to renovate the interior.
  • She's the proud owner of a vintage car.
developer

Typically used to describe a person or company that creates software or real estate. It emphasizes the role of creating and building.

  • The software developer released a new app last week.
  • The real estate developer is planning to build a new shopping center in town.

Examples of usage

  • The seller agreed to lower the price of the house for a quick sale.
  • The seller included new appliances as part of the property sale.
  • The seller disclosed all relevant information about the property to the buyer.
Context #3 | Verb

action

To sell something is to transfer ownership of goods or services in exchange for money. The act of selling involves negotiations, transactions, and agreements between the seller and the buyer.

Synonyms

market, trade, vend.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
seller

This term is appropriate when referring to a person or entity engaging in the sale of goods or services.

  • The seller of the antique table offered a reasonable price.
  • She became a top seller in her online store.
vend

This word is often used in a somewhat formal context, particularly when talking about selling small items, typically from a stall, machine, or similar setup. It can also carry a somewhat outdated or literary tone.

  • He used to vend ice cream at the beach during the summer.
  • The vending machine was out of order.
trade

This term is best for referring to the action of buying, selling, or exchanging goods and services, often on a larger scale or in a professional setting.

  • International trade has increased significantly due to globalization.
  • They made a trade agreement with a foreign company.
market

Use this word when talking about a place where goods are bought and sold or the economic conditions that affect buying and selling.

  • We visited the local farmers' market every Saturday.
  • The real estate market has been booming lately.

Examples of usage

  • She decided to sell her old car to make some extra money.
  • The company sells a wide range of products to customers worldwide.
  • He was able to sell the idea to his colleagues during the meeting.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Economics

  • Sellers play a crucial role in market dynamics, influencing prices through supply and demand.
  • Different types of sellers exist, ranging from individual entrepreneurs to large corporations.
  • E-commerce has transformed traditional selling, allowing sellers to reach global audiences online.

Psychology

  • The behavior of sellers can be linked to social influence, where the perceived value of a product affects buyer interest.
  • Sales techniques often draw from understanding emotions, as effective sellers connect with potential buyers on a personal level.
  • Research shows that sellers who establish trust with customers often see higher sales and loyalty.

Cultural Aspects

  • Sellers vary across cultures; in some societies, barter systems exist where goods are exchanged directly.
  • Festivals and markets around the world often feature sellers showcasing local crafts and foods, reflecting community identity.
  • Street vendors and farmers' markets highlight the importance of local sellers in urban areas.

Technology

  • Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay have revolutionized how sellers connect with buyers, offering convenience and variety.
  • Seller ratings and reviews on platforms help build credibility, impacting future sales opportunities.
  • In the age of digital marketing, sellers utilize social media to reach audiences and promote their products creatively.

Origin of 'seller'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'sellan,' which means to give or bestow, reflecting the act of offering something to someone.
  • In Middle English, the term 'seller' evolved to describe a person who was involved in commerce or trade.
  • Related terms such as 'salesman' and 'dealer' show how roles in selling have expanded over time.

The word 'seller' originated from the Old English word 'sellere,' which referred to a person who sold goods. The concept of selling has been a fundamental part of human society for centuries, evolving with the development of trade and commerce. Throughout history, sellers have played a crucial role in facilitating economic transactions and exchange of goods and services.


See also: bestseller, oversell, sell, sellable, sellers, selling, undersell, underselling.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,719, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.