First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1merchant
noun mer·chant \ˈmər-chənt\
: someone who buys and sells goods especially in large amounts
: the owner or manager of a store
: someone who is known for a particular quality, activity, etc.
Full Definition of MERCHANT
1
: a buyer and seller of commodities for profit : trader
2
: the operator of a retail business : storekeeper
3
: one that is noted for a particular quality or activity : specialist <a speed merchant on the base paths>
— merchant adjective
See merchant defined for English-language learners
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Origin of MERCHANT
Middle English marchant, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *mercatant-, mercatans, from present participle of mercatare to trade, frequentative of Latin mercari — more at market
Related to MERCHANT
- Synonyms
- dealer, merchandiser, trader, tradesman, trafficker
Other Business Terms
2merchant
verb
Definition of MERCHANT
intransitive verb
archaic : to deal or trade as a merchant
transitive verb
: to deal or trade in
First Known Use of MERCHANT
14th century
Other Business Terms
MERCHANT Defined for Kids
merchant
noun mer·chant \ˈmər-chənt\
Definition of MERCHANT for Kids
1
: a person who buys and sells goods especially on a large scale or with foreign countries
2
: storekeeper 1
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