advertisement
Americannoun
-
a paid announcement, as of goods for sale, in newspapers or magazines, on radio or television, or on the internet.
-
a public notice, especially in print.
-
the action of making generally known; a calling to the attention of the public.
The news of this event will receive wide advertisement.
noun
Other Word Forms
- preadvertisement noun
- readvertisement noun
- self-advertisement noun
Etymology
Origin of advertisement
First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Middle French avertissement; see origin at advertise, -ment
Explanation
A public notice promoting the sale of a certain item is called an advertisement. The word is often shortened to ad. They're on TV, on the radio, online, in the paper — you can't even escape advertisements at the movies. Although advertisements are usually meant to persuade, they aren't always just for selling goods. They're a great way to get the word out on just about anything. You can place an advertisement for all kinds of things: to look for your long-lost sister, to hire an employee, or to announce a local dance. Even way back in the 1600s, the British were posting advertisements for trips to a newfound place called "Virginia."
Vocabulary lists containing advertisement
Media Literacy - High School
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Media Literacy - Middle School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Cormac McCarthy's "The Road"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
That amount, which created nothing but an advertisement for a product of dubious value to society, is the price of two Walt Disney Concert Halls and probably all of Gehry’s projects put together.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026
Almost every advertisement or information piece you see about investments will have some version of the disclosure statement: “Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.”
From MarketWatch • Mar. 12, 2026
The advertisement, which omitted key safety information and touted Hims’ products as “doctor-trusted” alternatives, drew swift backlash from lawmakers.
From Barron's • Mar. 9, 2026
Schofield gained international recognition for a late-1980s Bugle Boy jeans advertisement in which she drove a black Ferrari through the desert before stopping beside a man standing at the roadside.
From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026
“What is this doing in an advertisement for shoes?” demanded Terryl.
From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel
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.
