vendor
VEN-dor
/ˈvɛndər/
A person or company offering something for sale, especially a trader in the street.
In a corporate context, it refers to any supplier of goods or services.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'vendere', which is a contraction of 'venum dare' (to give for sale). It has been used since the 16th century to describe anyone who sells.
Word relationships
- supplier: Supplier is the most common term in supply chains; vendor is often used in IT and retail.
- buyer: The person or entity purchasing the goods.
Commonly confused with
- vender: 'Vendor' is the standard spelling in American English and business; 'vender' is an older variant.
Word family
- vend (verb): To sell something.
- vending (noun): The act of selling (e.g., a vending machine).
Collocations
- vendor management
- street vendor
- preferred vendor
Example sentences
- "We need to vet each new vendor to ensure they meet our sustainability standards." Corporate Purchasing
- "The vendor of the fruit was a man of some sixty years, with a face like a dried apple." Literature
Memory hook
A 'Vendor' uses a 'Vending' machine to sell things. The seller.
When not to use
Do not use for a high-level strategic partner; 'vendor' can sometimes sound transactional or low-level.
Fun facts
- The term 'Vendor Lock-in' describes a situation where a customer is dependent on a vendor for products and cannot switch without substantial costs.
Related words
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