commodity

American  

[kuh-mod-i-tee] / kəˈmɒd ɪ ti /

noun

commodities plural

1. an article of trade or commerce, especially a product as distinguished from a service.

2. something of use, advantage, or value.

3. Stock Exchange. any unprocessed or partially processed good, as grain, fruits, and vegetables, or precious metals.

4. Obsolete. a quantity of goods.

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commodity British  

/ kəˈmɒdɪtɪ /

noun

1. an article of commerce

2. something of use, advantage, or profit

3. economics an exchangeable unit of economic wealth, esp a primary product or raw material

4. obsolete

   1. a quantity of goods

   2. convenience or expediency

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commodity Cultural  

1. Any product manufactured or grown.

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Other Word Forms

• noncommodity
  adjective

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.

Example Sentences

Automobile manufacturers and heavy industries are feeling the adverse affects of higher commodity prices, higher rates, slowing economic activity and increased uncertainty.

From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026

Among his past savvy calls was an early push into gold for clients — in 2022 he talked about how that commodity was a big part of their investment strategies.

From MarketWatch • May 20, 2026

“This is all just going to end so badly,” said Matt Smith, director of commodity research at commodities- and shipping-data provider Kpler.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

They keep clean sheets and that's a rare commodity in the modern game, for a team to see out 1-0 victories like this team can.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

The ice, a commodity unavailable at the motel, is for iced tea, which I brew by letting tea bags soak in a plastic cup of water overnight.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich

Related Words

• asset
• goods
• material
• produce
• product
• property
• stock