consignment
kuhn-SY-nmuhnt
/kənˈsaɪn.mənt/
A batch of goods delivered or dispatched to a recipient, typically under an arrangement where payment is made only after the goods are sold.
Focuses on the commercial transfer and legal guardianship of a specific batch of goods sent to an agent or customer.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'consignare', combining 'com-' (together) with 'signare' (to sign or seal). Historically, when goods were entrusted to a carrier or merchant agent, the package was marked with an official seal or signature to verify ownership and contract terms.
Word relationships
- shipment: 'Shipment' focuses on the act or route of transportation, while 'consignment' focuses on the batch of goods and its commercial custody.
- batch: 'Batch' refers to a group produced together, whereas 'consignment' refers to a group entrusted for transport and sale.
Commonly confused with
- assignment: An 'assignment' is a task or allocation of responsibility, whereas a 'consignment' is a shipment of goods.
Word family
- consign (verb): To deliver goods to another's custody or commit to a specific place.
- consignee (noun): The party to whom a shipment is delivered.
- consignor (noun): The person or entity sending the goods.
Collocations
- consignment of goods
- on consignment
- consignment note
- receive a consignment
- shipment consignment
Example sentences
- "The customs authorities inspected the latest consignment of electronic components before granting clearance." Supply chain logistics
- "Goods were shipped on consignment, meaning the retailer paid the manufacturer only after selling the items." Retail distribution
Memory hook
CON-SIGN-ment: You CONfirm by SIGNing for the delivered ment (goods). Sign for the batch = Consignment.
When not to use
Do not use to describe the physical transport ship itself; it refers strictly to the packaged batch of commodities.
Fun facts
- In accounting, 'consignment inventory' remains on the seller's balance sheet even when physically located in the buyer's warehouse.
Explore more words
distribution, warehousing, inventory, broker, transaction, Escrow
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