retailed; retailing; retails
: to sell at retail
retailer
noun
: the sale of commodities or goods in small quantities to ultimate consumers
also
: the industry of such selling
: of, relating to, or engaged in the sale of commodities at retail
retail trade
Synonyms
Examples of retail in a Sentence
Verb
We retail clothing at the best possible prices.
jewelry that retails from $100
Noun
She has a job in retail.
Adjective
Is that price retail or wholesale?
Adverb
You usually have to pay more if you buy something retail than if you buy it wholesale.
The product sells retail for about $100.
Recent Examples on the Web
Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 11 Apr. 2024
But with its avant-garde silhouette, the dress (which retails for $7,400 on Net-a-Porter’s website) caused some behind-the-scenes difficulty.
—Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 2 Apr. 2024
Along with its value proposition—most products retail for about $6—and a push for innovation, marketing is another growth driver, Fields told me.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 21 Mar. 2024
Limited quantities of the Air Jordan 1 Highs will retail for $975 and the Air Jordan 1 Lows will go for $875.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2024
Brands should ensure their strategy aligns with this view and drives innovation in new models of retailing for their sector.
—Dana Dunne, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
The new figurine, which retails for $48, is available for pre-order as of today on the A24 website.
—Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 13 Feb. 2024
Also available is the Signet Havana Flip Ring set in sterling silver with emerald pavé, matte gold and diamonds, which retails for $2,200.
—Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 20 Mar. 2024
That means cars such as Tesla’s Model 3, which retails for $38,990 in the U.S., would cost almost $80,000 in India.
—Dylan Sloan, Fortune, 18 Mar. 2024
Michael Spataro, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
Finally, the top-end version with dual motors for all-wheel drive now retails for 249,800 CNY, or 30,000 less than what was previously asked.
—Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune Asia, 25 Mar. 2024
According to the Center for the Future of Arizona, retail is the fourth largest workforce sector, employing more than 320,000 people in Arizona.
—Eshaan Sarup, The Arizona Republic, 21 Mar. 2024
On Saturdays, an actor would visit and read stories and a crèche — a revolutionary concept in fashion retail now, let alone 50 years ago — allowed parents freedom to explore the other floors.
—Zoe Whitfield, CNN, 19 Mar. 2024
While the crop top alone retails for $1,890, Brittany’s full Prada ‘fit totals $6,090, between the $1,750 pants and the $2,450 jacket.
—Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 18 Mar. 2024
The first phase of the project called for four multifamily buildings totaling 500 units, 320,000 square feet of retail and a 125-key hotel.
—The Enquirer, 19 Mar. 2024
Hotels, retail, bars and restaurants also saw an increase in sales tax collected during the games.
—Corina Vanek, The Arizona Republic, 19 Mar. 2024
Princess Kate’s black sweatshirt with orange accents has since been identified as an Umbro Men England Rugby Icon Hoodie, which the Royal Fashion Police on Instagram reported retails for $72 and is from a past season.
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 19 Mar. 2024
Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2024
The announcement Thursday follows Kering’s January move to purchase a building on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue for $963 million, as luxury retail real estate purchases heat up.
—Angelina Rascouet, Fortune Europe, 4 Apr. 2024
Randall Sargent, a partner in the retail and consumer goods division of the marketing consulting firm Oliver Wyman, told The Post in January that tactics such as pulling all of a brand’s products are not uncommon in Europe.
—Victoria Bisset, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2024
Levine Properties filed plans last year for more office and retail space by the shopping center, which will be anchored by a grocery store.
—Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 4 Apr. 2024
These Thunderbirds were built to be displayed in A&F’s flagship retail stores, and they were eventually sold to actual customers.
—Logan Carter / Jalopnik, Quartz, 3 Apr. 2024
Warby Parker retail locations nationwide; find one here.
—Detroit Free Press, 3 Apr. 2024
The plan also included a ballpark district around the stadium with offices, retail and residential development.
—Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2024
The retail giant based in Bentonville, Arkansas, launched the new on-demand early morning delivery service in March.
—Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 3 Apr. 2024
Verb
The company plans to feature more affordable running sneakers too, like its Pegasus model, which retails between $100 to $160, depending on the model and current discount.
—Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 11 Apr. 2024
But with its avant-garde silhouette, the dress (which retails for $7,400 on Net-a-Porter’s website) caused some behind-the-scenes difficulty.
—Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 2 Apr. 2024
Along with its value proposition—most products retail for about $6—and a push for innovation, marketing is another growth driver, Fields told me.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 21 Mar. 2024
Limited quantities of the Air Jordan 1 Highs will retail for $975 and the Air Jordan 1 Lows will go for $875.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2024
Brands should ensure their strategy aligns with this view and drives innovation in new models of retailing for their sector.
—Dana Dunne, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
The new figurine, which retails for $48, is available for pre-order as of today on the A24 website.
—Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 13 Feb. 2024
Also available is the Signet Havana Flip Ring set in sterling silver with emerald pavé, matte gold and diamonds, which retails for $2,200.
—Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 20 Mar. 2024
That means cars such as Tesla’s Model 3, which retails for $38,990 in the U.S., would cost almost $80,000 in India.
—Dylan Sloan, Fortune, 18 Mar. 2024
Noun
However, companies hiring hourly workers were dealt a particularly unlucky hand: Inflation weakened consumer spending, destabilizing demand in sectors like retail and hospitality, which rely largely on an hourly labor force still suffering major shortages.
—Michael Spataro, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
Finally, the top-end version with dual motors for all-wheel drive now retails for 249,800 CNY, or 30,000 less than what was previously asked.
—Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune Asia, 25 Mar. 2024
According to the Center for the Future of Arizona, retail is the fourth largest workforce sector, employing more than 320,000 people in Arizona.
—Eshaan Sarup, The Arizona Republic, 21 Mar. 2024
On Saturdays, an actor would visit and read stories and a crèche — a revolutionary concept in fashion retail now, let alone 50 years ago — allowed parents freedom to explore the other floors.
—Zoe Whitfield, CNN, 19 Mar. 2024
While the crop top alone retails for $1,890, Brittany’s full Prada ‘fit totals $6,090, between the $1,750 pants and the $2,450 jacket.
—Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 18 Mar. 2024
The first phase of the project called for four multifamily buildings totaling 500 units, 320,000 square feet of retail and a 125-key hotel.
—The Enquirer, 19 Mar. 2024
Hotels, retail, bars and restaurants also saw an increase in sales tax collected during the games.
—Corina Vanek, The Arizona Republic, 19 Mar. 2024
Princess Kate’s black sweatshirt with orange accents has since been identified as an Umbro Men England Rugby Icon Hoodie, which the Royal Fashion Police on Instagram reported retails for $72 and is from a past season.
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 19 Mar. 2024
Adjective
He’s used the California Highway Patrol like a strike team, from policing city streets to running complex retail theft operations.
—Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2024
The announcement Thursday follows Kering’s January move to purchase a building on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue for $963 million, as luxury retail real estate purchases heat up.
—Angelina Rascouet, Fortune Europe, 4 Apr. 2024
Randall Sargent, a partner in the retail and consumer goods division of the marketing consulting firm Oliver Wyman, told The Post in January that tactics such as pulling all of a brand’s products are not uncommon in Europe.
—Victoria Bisset, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2024
Levine Properties filed plans last year for more office and retail space by the shopping center, which will be anchored by a grocery store.
—Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 4 Apr. 2024
These Thunderbirds were built to be displayed in A&F’s flagship retail stores, and they were eventually sold to actual customers.
—Logan Carter / Jalopnik, Quartz, 3 Apr. 2024
Warby Parker retail locations nationwide; find one here.
—Detroit Free Press, 3 Apr. 2024
The plan also included a ballpark district around the stadium with offices, retail and residential development.
—Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2024
The retail giant based in Bentonville, Arkansas, launched the new on-demand early morning delivery service in March.
—Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 3 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'retail.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English, from Anglo-French retaille cutting, deduction, retail, from retailler to cut out, from re- + tailler to cut — more at tailor
First Known Use
Verb
15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1
Noun
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Adjective
1601, in the meaning defined above
Adverb
1784, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of retail was
in the 15th century
Phrases Containing retail
Dictionary Entries Near retail
Cite this Entry
“Retail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retail. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
retail
1 of 4 verb
re·tail
ˈrē-ˌtāl 
: to sell in small amounts to people for their own use
retailer
noun
retail
2 of 4 noun
: the sale of products or goods in small quantities to people for their own use
retail
3 of 4 adjective
: of, relating to, or engaged in selling by retail
retail stores
retail
4 of 4 adverb
: in small quantities : from a retailer
More from Merriam-Webster on retail
Nglish: Translation of retail for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of retail for Arabic Speakers
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