retail

[ ree-teyl ri-teyl ]

noun

1. the sale of goods to ultimate consumers, usually in small quantities ( wholesale ).

adjective

1. pertaining to, connected with, or engaged in sale at retail:

   the retail price.

adverb

1. in a retail quantity or at a retail price.

verb (used with object)

1. to sell at retail; sell directly to the consumer.
2. to relate or repeat in detail to others:

   to retail scandal.

verb (used without object)

1. to be sold at retail:

   It retails at 50 cents.

retail

/ ˈriːteɪl /

noun

1. the sale of goods individually or in small quantities to consumers Compare wholesale

adjective

1. of, relating to, or engaged in such selling

   retail prices

adverb

1. in small amounts or at a retail price

verb

1. to sell or be sold in small quantities to consumers
2. rɪˈteɪl tr to relate (gossip, scandal, etc) in detail, esp persistently

retail

1. A term describing businesses that sell goods directly to individuals. ( Compare wholesale .)

Derived Forms

• ˈretailer, noun

Other Words From

• retail·er noun
• non·retail adjective
• non·retail·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of retail¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; (for the noun) late Middle English, from Anglo-French: “a cut,” derivative of retailler “to cut,” from re- re- + tailler “to cut” ( tail ² ); (for the verb) Middle English retailen, from Old French retailler

Word History and Origins

Origin of retail¹

C14: from Old French retaillier to cut off, from re- + taillier to cut; see tailor

Related Words

• peddle