merchant
MER-chunt
/ˈmɜːrtʃənt/
A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially one dealing with foreign countries or a retailer.
While historically referring to large-scale traders, in modern retail, it often refers to any business or individual selling goods or services, especially in the context of payment processing.
The story behind the word. The word 'merchant' comes from the Old French 'marchant', meaning 'trading'. This, in turn, derived from the Latin 'mercari', meaning 'to trade' or 'to buy'. The root 'merx' meant 'wares' or 'merchandise'. So, a merchant is essentially someone who deals in wares or engages in trade.
Word relationships
- retailer: Specifically sells goods to the public in small quantities.
- trader: Broader, can refer to anyone who buys and sells, including in financial markets.
- vendor: A person or company offering something for sale, often in a more casual setting (e.g., street vendor).
- customer: The person who buys from a merchant.
Commonly confused with
- customer: A 'merchant' sells; a 'customer' buys.
Word family
- merchandise (noun): Goods to be bought and sold.
- mercantile (adjective): Relating to trade or commerce.
Collocations
- merchant account
- merchant services
- online merchant
- independent merchant
Example sentences
- "The credit card company charges a fee to the merchant for every transaction processed." In the context of credit card processing.
- "Venetian merchants played a crucial role in the spice trade routes of the Middle Ages." Historical trade.
- "As an online merchant, she focused on selling handmade jewelry to a global audience." Online business.
Memory hook
A MERCHANT deals in MERCHandise, making money from sales. Seller of goods
When not to use
Avoid using 'merchant' for someone providing a personal service without selling goods (e.g., a 'merchant' lawyer is incorrect).
Fun facts
- The word 'mercury' (the element and the planet) shares a root with 'merchant' through the Roman god Mercury, who was associated with commerce and travel.
Related words
Explore more words
wholesale, vendor, do business, industrialist, trade, export
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