retail

American  

[ree-teyl, ri-teyl] / ˈri teɪl, rɪˈteɪl /

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 British  

/ 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. (tr) to relate (gossip, scandal, etc) in detail, esp persistently

retail Cultural  

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

---

Usage

What does retail mean? Retail is the sale of goods to the person who will actually use the goods. It is often used to describe the consumer goods industry, as in Jade worked in retail over the summer break to earn money for school.Retail is also used to describe something related to sales at retail, as in While the wholesale price is low, the retail price is much higher because the store’s rent is also very high.To retail is to sell directly to the consumer or to be sold at retail.Example: The retail store down the road has a sale on all sorts of good stuff today.

Other Word Forms

• nonretail adjective
• nonretailer noun
• retailer noun

Etymology

Origin of retail

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

Example Sentences

Their sprawling Chinese retail networks have also given them a market-share edge.

From The Wall Street Journal

Omitting autos and gas, retail sales still rose a solid 0.5%.

From MarketWatch

Private-sector payrolls for March are due at 8:15 a.m., with retail sales for February at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing survey at 10 a.m.

From MarketWatch

After trying to sell more products itself over recent years, Nike has tried to work more with retail chains to recharge sales growth.

From MarketWatch

This deal would strengthen McCormick’s condiments and flavorings portfolio while expanding its North American retail and distribution footprint, said Alex Torgerson, M&A partner at consulting firm West Monroe.

From Barron's

Related Words

• peddle