vendor

noun ven·dor \ ˈven-dər , for sense 1 also ven-ˈdȯr \

variants: or less commonly vender play \ˈven-dər\

Updated on: 15 May 2018

1 : one that vends : seller

2 : vending machine

See vendor defined for English-language learners

See vendor defined for kids

Examples of vendor in a Sentence

we're thinking of making a deal with that other software vendor

Recent Examples of vendor from the Web

Plant help clinic, plant information, free soil pH testing, specialty vendor booths, plant selection assistance.

— corey sheldon, OregonLive.com, "HG calendar May 12-20: nurture Mother's Day memories in the garden," 11 May 2018
The market, dubbed the Lake Country Public Market in the proposal, would have various vendors for fresh and artisan foods, cafes, and farm-to-table products.

— jordyn noennig, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Baseball stadium, public market, apartments all in massive new $65 million proposal in Pewaukee," 11 May 2018
Lewes Garden Tour: Take a tour of your choice of eight private gardens and visit a Garden Market where more than 30 vendors are located. 10 a.m -4 p.m. June 16.

— baltimoresun.com, "Delaware beaches’ 2018 calendar of events," 11 May 2018
Starbucks uses several different large-scale bakery vendors for their product lines.

— claire perez, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Starbucks doesn't share recipes but this pumpkin bread comes close," 11 May 2018
The Physical World pre-sale will take place at Aragon Ballroom’s box office Saturday, May 19 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Limited quantities of tickets may be released via additional vendors at a later date, subject to availability.

— jessi roti, chicagotribune.com, "Nine Inch Nails, The Jesus & Mary Chain book two nights at Aragon Ballroom," 10 May 2018
Like the festival's former home, the new venue will offer a food court, wine lounge, craft beer garden and vendor area, all with Pacific Ocean views.

— brady macdonald, latimes.com, "Doheny Blues Festival is returning with a new lineup and a new location," 10 May 2018
Twelve new vendors will be featured this season, according to market organizer Jamie Brown, who also owns TLV Farm in Glenelg and appears at all three markets.

— kate magill, Columbia Flier, "'The food's fresher' is the refrain as Howard's farm markets open," 10 May 2018
Expect over 200 vendors most weekends as well as free entertainment at this family- and pet-friendly event. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 9 at 225 E. Third Avenue.

— Anchorage Daily News, "Hot Picks: Sugar Strings goes symphonic, stories of veterans’ spouses – plus, Pink Martini is back," 10 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vendor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of vendor

borrowed from Anglo-French vendur, vendour, from vendre "to sell" + -ur, -our ¹-or — more at vend

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1594

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

vendor Synonyms

Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite

Financial Definition of VENDOR

vendor

noun

What It Is

A vendor is a company or person that sells goods or services.

How It Works

Vendors sell accounting services, food, electricity, hair styling, maid service, toilet repair, and just about anything else imaginable.

Why It Matters

Vendors don't just sell goods and services, they also buy goods and services from other vendors. For instance, Company XYZ might be an accounting services vendor, but it also purchases office supplies from other vendors.

Source: Investing Answers