commodity

American  

[kuh-mod-i-tee] / kəˈmɒd ɪ ti /

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.

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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

Bloomberg reported last month that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission was looking into a pattern of suspicious activity in the oil market around market-moving Truth Social posts and media reports.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

Bloomberg reported last month that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission was looking into a pattern of suspicious activity in the oil market around market-moving Truth Social posts and media reports.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

The company is also rolling out a new platform for American users regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

In a separate lawsuit brought by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, an independent US federal agency, he is also accused of insider trading.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Once there was a prosperous Manufacturer who had made his Stake by handling an every-day Commodity at a small Margin of Profit.

From Knocking the Neighbors by Ade, George

Related Words

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