retail

American  

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

noun

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

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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

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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.)

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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

The former “Cosby Show” actor became the subject of viral job-shaming, with critics mocking him for working retail decades after his television success.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Several companies—including PayPal, Salsify, and retail AI upstart Verneek—are touting tools that aim to make a company’s product lists more accurate and AI-ready.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Average U.S. retail price of a pound of roast coffee, up over 120% from $4.17 in January 2020.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Designed as both a retail space and a cafe concept, the store will feature collaborations with local favorites like Courage Bagels, Bianca and Beverly Hills Juice.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Insofar as the poor have to work near the dwellings of the rich—as in the case of so many service and retail jobs—they are stuck with lengthy commutes or dauntingly expensive housing.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich

Related Words

• peddle