marketplace

or mar·ket place

[ mahr-kit-pleys ]

noun

1. an open area in a town where a market is held.
2. the commercial world; the realm of business, trade, and economics.
3. any sphere considered as a place where ideas, thoughts, artistic creations, etc., compete for recognition.

marketplace

/ ˈmɑːkɪtˌpleɪs /

noun

1. a place where a public market is held
2. any centre where ideas, opinions, etc, are exchanged
3. the commercial world of buying and selling

Word History and Origins

Origin of marketplace¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; market, place

Example Sentences

Sales at its U.S. e-commerce business jumped 22 percent, aided by pickup and delivery options as well as its expanding online advertising and marketplace business.

From New York Times

"All bets are off, and everyone's going to have to reassess the marketplace"

From Salon

Care plan he obtained through Covered California, the marketplace set up under the Affordable Care Act for Californians to purchase insurance.

From Los Angeles Times

"This decision ignores the market realities, and will only serve to protect incumbent marketplaces from competition."

From BBC

Clare Smyrell, who was not able to breastfeed due to medical reasons, says she spent £30 a week on milk for her baby and resorted to online marketplaces to try to keep costs down.

From BBC

Related Words

• forum