commodity

[kuh-mod-i-tee]

noun

plural

commodities 

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.

commodity

/ 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

commodity

1. Any product manufactured or grown.

Other Word Forms

• noncommodity adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of commodity¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English commodite, from Anglo-French, from Latin commoditās “timeliness, convenience,” equivalent to commod(us) ( commode ) + -itās -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of commodity¹

C14: from Old French commodité, from Latin commoditās suitability, benefit; see _commodious

Example Sentences

Downside risks include slower global trade, weaker sentiment and lower-than-expected commodity production, while stronger global growth, firmer demand for electrical and electronics goods, and robust tourism could provide upside support.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Mitsubishi’s focus on energy will leave it sensitive to commodity price swings, and it has yet to establish a cost advantage in this area,” she says.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Without sanctions-related shortfalls, the oil market is likely to be oversupplied in the coming year, the commodity analyst says.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Like other resource economies, Canada has grappled with balancing its need to increase production of commodities like oil and gas while maintaining its climate commitments.

Read more on BBC

The global outlook for agriculture remains mixed with strong demand and production, but pressured commodity prices and farmer margins, Corteva said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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