mercantile

adjective

mer·​can·​tile ˈmər-kən-ˌtēl 

-ˌtī(-ə)l

1

: of or relating to merchants or trading

mercantile families

mercantile businesses

2

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of mercantilism

mercantile system

Examples of mercantile in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At its peak, about 80 breweries operated in this mercantile hot spot. —Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 12 Jan. 2026

In their London’s merchant companies, the government drew attention to the natural advantages of Ulster: beef, pork, fish, and game in abundance; timber for shipping; butter, cheese; hides and tallow; ports ready for mercantile traffic with England, Scotland, Spain and Newfoundland. —Literary Hub, 25 Nov. 2025

The Biennale, staged in these same spaces, carried forward that mercantile energy -- but with art as its new currency. —Dada Jovanovic, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2025

With a long history as Japan's mercantile heart and major port of call, Osaka is dense and delightfully in your face. —Melinda Joe, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Italian, from mercante merchant, from Latin mercant-, mercans, from present participle of mercari to trade — more at market

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

mercantile

adjective

mer·​can·​tile ˈmər-kən-ˌtēl 

-ˌtīl

: of or relating to merchants, trade, or commerce

mercantile businesses