wholesale

[ hohl-seyl ]

noun

1. the sale of goods in quantity, as to retailers or jobbers, for resale ( retail ).

adjective

1. of, relating to, or engaged in sale by wholesale.
2. extensive; broadly indiscriminate:

   wholesale discharge of workers.

   Synonyms: undiscriminating, promiscuous, inclusive, thorough, comprehensive, far-reaching

adverb

1. in a wholesale way; on wholesale terms:

   I can get it for you wholesale.

2. in large quantities; on a large scale, especially without discrimination:

   Wild horses were slaughtered wholesale.

verb (used with or without object)

, whole·saled, whole·sal·ing.

1. to sell by wholesale.

wholesale

/ ˈhəʊlˌseɪl /

noun

1. the business of selling goods to retailers in larger quantities than they are sold to final consumers but in smaller quantities than they are purchased from manufacturers Compare retail
2. at wholesale
   1. in large quantities
   2. at wholesale prices

adjective

1. of, relating to, or engaged in such business
2. made, done, etc, on a large scale or without discrimination

adverb

1. on a large scale or without discrimination

verb

1. to sell (goods) at wholesale

wholesale

1. The sale of merchandise to retailers rather than directly to the public.

Derived Forms

• ˈwholeˌsaler, noun

Other Words From

• wholesaler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of wholesale¹

1375–1425; late Middle English, from the phrase by hole sale in gross; whole, sale

Example Sentences

The markets open around 4 a.m. for wholesale buyers and to the general public at 8 a.m.

From Los Angeles Times

Revenues from its wholesale and franchise business dropped by 46% to £5.4 million, as it was particularly affected by partners in Italy and Denmark reducing their orders due to tough conditions.

From BBC

After the sale, Mr. Frommer remained chairman and president of Arthur Frommer International Inc., which included one of the largest wholesale tour operations in the country and eventually the online consumer travel site frommers.com.

From New York Times

Having selected a team so obviously for the present rather than the future against the All Blacks, some quarters were calling for wholesale changes and an infusion of youth.

From BBC

In that language, Mr. Ramaswamy sees the key to the wholesale elimination of agencies, departments and government functions.

From New York Times

Related Words

• extensive
• indiscriminate
• large-scale
• sweeping