retail

1 of 4

verb

re·​tail ˈrē-ˌtāl 

 especially for sense 2 also  ri-ˈtāl

retailed; retailing; retails

transitive verb

1

: to sell in small quantities directly to the ultimate consumer

2

: tell, retell

intransitive verb

: to sell at retail

retailer noun

retail

2 of 4

noun

re·​tail ˈrē-ˌtāl 

: the sale of commodities or goods in small quantities to ultimate consumers

also : the industry of such selling

retail

3 of 4

adjective

re·​tail ˈrē-ˌtāl 

: of, relating to, or engaged in the sale of commodities at retail

retail trade

retail

4 of 4

adverb

re·​tail ˈrē-ˌtāl 

: in small quantities : from a retailer

Phrases

at retail

1

: at a retailer's price

2

: retail entry 4

Synonyms

Verb

• sell
• market

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

Verb

Though Musk initially bragged the truck would retail at only $39,900 when it was expected to hit the market in late 2021, the Cybertruck faced years of delays, debuting in November 2023 with a price tag of $60,990. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2025

During a summer when the drop-waist dress trend reigned supreme, Faithfull the Brand’s Hedy Strapless Drop Waist Maxi Dress, retailing at $290, is the most coveted dresses of them all. —Lauren Alexis Fisher, Footwear News, 30 July 2025

Noun

In response to the continuing rise in cargo and retails thefts in general, Congress is considering legislation aimed at combating the crime. —Ed Garsten, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Block faces growing competition from rivals such as Toast and Fiserv’s Clover, though its Square business still gained share during the quarter in areas such as retail and food and beverage. —Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2025

Adjective

Plans call for apartments, townhomes, and space for more restaurant and retail tenants that have yet to be determined. —Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2025

Amazon password attacks are now driving headlines, as hackers impersonate the retail giant with malicious messages to steal passwords and access accounts. —Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025

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

Phrases Containing retail

• at retail
• retail park
• the retail price index

Rhymes for retail

• airmail
• assail
• avail
• bewail
• blackmail
• cattail
• cocktail
• curtail
• derail
• detail
• dovetail
• email

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