commerce

¹ American  

[kom-ers] / ˈkɒm ərs /

noun

1. an interchange of goods or commodities, especially on a large scale between different countries foreign commerce or between different parts of the same country domestic commerce; trade; business.

2. social relations, especially the exchange of views, attitudes, etc.

3. sexual intercourse.

4. intellectual or spiritual interchange; communion.

5. Also called Commerce Department.  (initial capital letter) the Department of Commerce.

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Commerce ² American  

[kom-ers] / ˈkɒm ərs /

noun

1. a town in SW California.

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commerce British  

/ ˈkɒmɜːs /

noun

1. the activity embracing all forms of the purchase and sale of goods and services

2. social relations and exchange, esp of opinions, attitudes, etc

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Usage

What does commerce mean? Commerce refers to the buying and selling of goods and products, especially on a large scale, as in New York City is a major center of commerce where billions of dollars are exchanged every day. The word commerce is almost always used to refer to business, trade, and the movement of things that are being bought and sold. Commerce can refer to either the exchange of goods between countries (international or foreign commerce) or the exchange that occurs within one country (domestic commerce). Much less frequently, commerce is used to mean an exchanging of ideas or views as part of social interaction, as in The club promoted intellectual commerce among the students. Commerce is similar to the word trade and the two words can generally be used as synonyms. Trade describes a more general exchange of goods and money, while commerce describes large-scale trading, such as at an interstate or international level, which requires large numbers of trucks, planes, and other delivery methods. Example: After the war, the small country experienced an increase in commerce with neighboring countries because transporting products was safe again. 

Related Words

See trade.

Etymology

Origin of commerce

First recorded in 1530–40; from Middle French, from Latin commercium, from commerc(ārī) “to trade together” (from com- com- + mercārī “to buy, deal, trade,” verb derivative of merc-, stem of merx “commodity, goods, merchandise”) + -ium -ium

Explanation

Commerce is the exchange of goods and services. It's business. Competition between cities wanting to host the Olympics is fierce because the games increase tourism and commerce. Commerce made its way into English from the Latin word commercium — com-, meaning "together," and -mercium, meaning "merchandise." Business, trade, and retailing are all common synonyms. Commerce doesn't always refer to buying and selling, though, just as the marketplace doesn't always refer to goods and services. Data, information, and opinions, too, can be exchanged and traded, as on the Internet, which is a great place for the commerce of ideas.

Example Sentences

Brent was the global benchmark “full stop,” while WTI was the U.S. benchmark and secondary in global commerce.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

“After building our industry-leading position in identity resolution, commerce, and creators, our next big bet is sport,” said Arthur Sadoun, Publicis Groupe’s CEO.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

He expects a muted 1Q with likely modest segment revenue growth across media, pictures music and commerce, while television advertising revenue could decline.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow will retain his position as Thailand's top diplomat, as will the ministers of finance and commerce -- all three of whom were also made deputy prime ministers.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

She pleaded for “our right to the Avenue,” and she convinced the local board of trade, chamber of commerce, merchants’ association, and other community groups to back her.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Related Words

• business
• economics
• exchange
• industry
• marketing
• retailing
• trade
• traffic