mercantile

adjective

mer·can·tile ˈmər-kən-ˌtēl

-ˌtī(-ə)l

: of or relating to merchants or trading

mercantile families

mercantile businesses

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of mercantilism

mercantile system

Examples of mercantile in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The young man was a quick study, learning the ins and outs of the mercantile and cigar trade and showing a keen business sense. — Charlotte Brooks, Big Think, 13 Mar. 2026 At its peak, about 80 breweries operated in this mercantile hot spot. — Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 12 Jan. 2026 Trump’s hard-nosed approach signals a more mercantile approach to Ukraine, which could complicate efforts to rebuild the country. — Grady McGregor, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025 With a long history as Japan's mercantile heart and major port of call, Osaka is dense and delightfully in your face. — Melinda Joe, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mercantile

Word History

Etymology

French, from Italian, from mercante merchant, from Latin mercant-, mercans, from present participle of mercari to trade — more at market

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of mercantile was in 1638

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Mercantile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mercantile. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mercantile

adjective

mer·can·tile ˈmər-kən-ˌtēl

-ˌtīl

: of or relating to merchants, trade, or commerce

mercantile businesses

mercantile

adjective

Examples of mercantile in a Sentence

Word History

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Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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