ˈɪnvənˌtori 
British ˈɪnvəntri
plural inventories
1
: a complete list of the things that are in a place
an inventory of supplies
We made an inventory of the library's collection.
2
chiefly US
: a supply of goods that are stored in a place
The dealer keeps a large inventory of used cars and trucks.
Inventories at both stores were low.
How can a small business afford to keep so much inventory?
3
chiefly US
: the act or process of making a complete list of the things that are in a place : the act or process of making an inventory
We'll be doing inventory on the collection soon.
called also (British) stocktaking
inventories; inventoried; inventorying
: to make a complete list of (the things in a place) : to make an inventory of (something)
We'll be inventorying the collection soon.
Cite this Entry
“Inventory.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/inventory. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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