C1noun2K

Merchant

UK /["/ˈmɜːtʃənt/"]/US /["/ˈmɜːrtʃənt/"]/

Definition

a person who buys and sells goods in large quantities, especially one who imports and exports goods

In simple words: A person or business that sells goods.

Examples

  • a **coal/wine merchant**
  • Venice was once a city of rich merchants.
  • The credit cards are accepted by 10 million merchants worldwide.
  • a speed merchant *(= somebody who likes to drive fast)*
  • noise merchants *(= for example, a band who make a lot of noise)*
  • The doom merchants who said television would kill off the book were wrong.
  • The prophets of doom who said television would kill off the book were wrong.

Usage notes

Used in contexts related to trade and commerce. It is more common in formal contexts or when discussing historical trade. It might be less appropriate in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

merchant + object

Memory hint

Think of 'merch' for short — imagine a shop full of items for sale.

Collocations

  • prosperous
  • rich
  • wealthy
  • fleet
  • marine
  • navy

Synonyms

  • trader
  • seller
  • dealer
  • vendor
  • shopkeeper

Antonyms

  • customer
  • buyer

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'merchandise' - 'merchant' refers to the person, not the goods.
  • Using it in informal contexts where 'seller' would be more appropriate.
  • Incorrectly pluralizing as 'merchantses'.