retail

1 of 5

verb

re·​tail ˈrē-ˌtāl How to pronounce retail (audio)
especially for sense 2 also ri-ˈtāl
retailed; retailing; retails
Synonyms of retailnext

transitive verb

1
: to sell in small quantities directly to the ultimate consumer
2
: tell, retell

intransitive verb

: to sell at retail
retailer noun

retail

2 of 5

noun (1)

re·​tail ˈrē-ˌtāl How to pronounce retail (audio)
: the sale of commodities or goods in small quantities to ultimate consumers
also : the industry of such selling
see also:
at retail

retail

3 of 5

adjective

re·​tail ˈrē-ˌtāl How to pronounce retail (audio)
: of, relating to, or engaged in the sale of commodities at retail
retail trade

retail

4 of 5

adverb

re·​tail ˈrē-ˌtāl How to pronounce retail (audio)
: in small quantities : from a retailer

retailer

5 of 5

noun (2)

re·​tail·​er
-lə(r)
plural -s
: one that retails something
a retailer of gossip
specifically : a merchant middleman who sells goods mainly to ultimate consumers

Synonyms of retail

Relevance

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of retail in a Sentence

Verb We retail clothing at the best possible prices. jewelry that retails from $100 Noun (1) She has a job in retail. Adjective Is that price retail or wholesale? Adverb You usually have to pay more if you buy something retail than if you buy it wholesale. The product sells retail for about $100.
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.
Verb
This model retails for a cool $294,400. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 June 2026 The company’s website lists the bracelet to retail for $220. — Lucy Glynn, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026
Noun
Cole is a consumer brand executive with more than two decades of experience spanning digital commerce, technology, artificial intelligence and omnichannel retail. — David Moin, Footwear News, 30 June 2026 Platforms like Ottica are showing how easy the digital boutique experience is, which is basically a blend of the white-glove service expected of traditional retail with the convenience of modern technology. — K.h. Koehler, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Adjective
That contrasts with retail traders, who have faced losses in shallow or heavy markets. — Ananya Chetia, CNBC, 2 July 2026 Spot prices reflect real-time market trading and serve as a benchmark for futures contracts, ETFs and retail bullion pricing. — Usa Today, USA Today, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for retail

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French retaille cutting, deduction, retail, from retailler to cut out, from re- + tailler to cut — more at tailor

Noun (2)

Middle English, from retailen to retail + -er

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1601, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1784, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retail was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing retail

Rhymes for retail

See All Rhymes for retail

Browse Nearby Words

retag
retail
retail credit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

retail

1 of 4 verb
re·​tail ˈrē-ˌtāl How to pronounce retail (audio)
: to sell in small amounts to people for their own use
retailer noun

retail

2 of 4 noun
: the sale of products or goods in small quantities to people for their own use

retail

3 of 4 adjective
: of, relating to, or engaged in selling by retail
retail stores

retail

4 of 4 adverb
: in small quantities : from a retailer

More from Merriam-Webster on retail

Nglish: Translation of retail for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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