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Supplier Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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supplier

[səˈplaɪər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

business

A person or company that provides goods or services to another company.

Synonyms

provider, seller, vendor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
supplier

Used when referring to a person or company that provides goods or services, typically in a business-to-business context.

  • Our primary supplier recently increased their prices.
vendor

Commonly used in commercial settings to refer to a company or individual that sells products, especially in contexts like marketplaces, fairs, or street markets.

  • We bought fresh produce from a local vendor at the market.
provider

Appropriate when discussing someone or something that supplies a service, especially in telecommunications, IT, healthcare, etc.

  • We chose a new internet service provider for better connectivity.
seller

Best used in a general context to refer to a person or entity that sells goods or services to consumers or other businesses.

  • The seller assured us the product was brand new.

Examples of usage

  • The supplier delivers the materials on time.
  • Our main supplier of office supplies is currently out of stock.
  • The company decided to switch to a new supplier for better quality products.
Context #2 | Noun

business

A person who supplies illegal drugs.

Synonyms

drug dealer, pusher, trafficker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
supplier

Typically used in a business context to refer to a person or company that provides products or services to another organization.

  • We need to find a new supplier for our raw materials.
  • The supplier has delivered the goods on time.
drug dealer

Refers to someone who illegally sells drugs. Usually has a negative connotation.

  • The police arrested the drug dealer.
  • He was known in the neighborhood as a drug dealer.
trafficker

Refers to a person who illegally trades or smuggles goods, often related to drugs or people. This term has a highly negative connotation.

  • The authorities have cracked down on human traffickers.
  • He was convicted as a drug trafficker.
pusher

Colloquial term for someone who sells illegal drugs. It also carries a negative connotation.

  • She was caught dealing with a known pusher.
  • The pusher was seen near the school again.

Examples of usage

  • The police arrested the drug supplier.
  • He was known in the neighborhood as a supplier of narcotics.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Business

  • Suppliers play a critical role in the supply chain, ensuring that products are available for manufacturing and retail.
  • There are different types of suppliers, like manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors, each serving unique functions in the market.

Economics

  • In a competitive market, diversity among suppliers can lead to better prices and quality for consumers.
  • Supplier relationships can significantly impact a company’s success, as strong connections often lead to preferred pricing and availability.

Cultural Impact

  • The rise of e-commerce has transformed how suppliers operate, with many now selling directly to consumers through online platforms.
  • Sustainable sourcing has become a significant trend, where suppliers focus on environmentally friendly practices to meet consumer demands.

Technology

  • Advancements in technology have enabled suppliers to use data analytics to predict demand and optimize inventory management.
  • Automation in supply chains is on the rise, helping suppliers improve efficiency and reduce costs through robotics and AI.

Origin of 'supplier'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'supplere', meaning 'to fill up', indicating that suppliers fill the needs of consumers.
  • In the 14th century, it began to take on the meaning of providing or delivering something, especially in trade.

The word 'supplier' originates from the verb 'supply', which comes from Old French 'soplieier' and Latin 'supplere', meaning 'to fill up'. The term evolved over time to refer to individuals or companies that provide goods or services. In the context of illegal drugs, 'supplier' gained usage to describe those involved in the distribution of narcotics.

See also: oversupply, supplied, suppliers, supplies, supplying, undersupply.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,853 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.