commodity
Americannoun
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an article of trade or commerce, especially a product as distinguished from a service.
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something of use, advantage, or value.
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Stock Exchange. any unprocessed or partially processed good, as grain, fruits, and vegetables, or precious metals.
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Obsolete. a quantity of goods.
noun
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an article of commerce
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something of use, advantage, or profit
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economics an exchangeable unit of economic wealth, esp a primary product or raw material
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obsolete
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a quantity of goods
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convenience or expediency
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Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of commodity
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English commodite, from Anglo-French, from Latin commoditās “timeliness, convenience,” equivalent to commod(us) ( see commode) + -itās -ity
Explanation
A commodity is any useful or valuable thing, especially something that is bought and sold. Grain, coffee, and precious metals are all commodities. The word commodity is usually used in an economic context, as in importing commodities from other countries or trading in the stocks and commodities markets. You probably wouldn't say something like "I'm going to run to the corner store to pick up some commodities." This word can also be used figuratively to refer to anything valuable, like trust or patience. Some people think that honesty is a rare commodity in politics.
Vocabulary lists containing commodity
Fast Food Nation
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"A Modest Proposal," Vocabulary from the satire
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The Omnivore's Dilemma
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
On Friday, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission laid out a framework for registered U.S. platforms to launch perpetual futures.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026
Kalshi and Coinbase have received permission from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to bring perpetual futures to U.S.-based investors.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission said that U.S. firms would be allowed to offer the futures, often called “perps,” to U.S. investors for the first time.
From Barron's • May 29, 2026
As a result, this also puts a strain on federal regulators like the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which are charged with helping to stop insider trading.
From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026
And the peculiar Commodity of the Island, Cinnamon.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
