peddler

[ ped-ler ]

noun

1. a person who sells from door to door or in the street.
2. a person who tries to promote some cause, candidate, viewpoint, etc.

peddler

/ ˈpɛdlə /

noun

1. a person who sells illegal drugs, esp narcotics
2. the usual US spelling of pedlar

Word History and Origins

Origin of peddler¹

1350–1400; Middle English pedlere, unexplained variant of peder, derivative of ped ( de ) basket

Example Sentences

The hope peddlers and hopium sellers took Trump’s blue state rallies as another sign that Kamala Harris’ victory was probable because she's spending her resources, time and energy mobilizing persuadable voters in the battleground states.

From Salon

Police said many of their victims, who they claimed were drug lords or peddlers, were often killed in "self defence" during shoot-outs.

From BBC

“I am proud of the efforts by our CHP officers here to help keep our community safe and hold drug peddlers accountable,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

The hope peddlers and happy pill sellers in the news media and political class are doing the American people a great disservice by not emphasizing this fact.

From Salon

“We will not sit on our hands as drug peddlers target our children with dangerous and unregulated hemp products containing THC at our retail stores,” Newsom said in the statement.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• vendor