salesmanship

noun

sales·​man·​ship ˈsālz-mən-ˌship How to pronounce salesmanship (audio)
1
: the skill or art of selling
2
: ability or effectiveness in selling or in presenting persuasively
political salesmanship

Examples of salesmanship 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.
Some of it is aggressive salesmanship. — Gregory M. Dickinson, The Conversation, 18 May 2026 Of course, the car was impounded, but your salesmanship succeeded. — Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2025 The distinguishing factor lies in offering complete confidence to buyers who expect more than just salesmanship. — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025 With artists/creators and their audiences understanding what makes the FYP tick, what used to feel like spontaneity now feels like salesmanship. — Sam Saideman, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for salesmanship

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of salesmanship was in 1880

Rhymes for salesmanship

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Browse Nearby Words

salesman
salesmanship
salespeople
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Cite this Entry

“Salesmanship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/salesmanship. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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