plural merchants
1
somewhat old-fashioned
: someone who buys and sells goods especially in large amounts
a wine merchant [=dealer]
Merchants traveled hundreds of miles to trade in the city.
a family of wealthy merchants
2
chiefly US or Scotland
: the owner or manager of a store
The town's merchants closed their shops during the parade.
Prizes were given by local merchants.
3
informal
: someone who is known for a particular quality, activity, etc.
He's a real speed merchant. [=he runs very fast]
doom merchants [=people who are always saying that bad things are going to happen]
always used before a noun
: used for or involved in trading goods
merchant ships
a society's merchant class
a wealthy merchant family
Cite this Entry
“Merchant.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/merchant. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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