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

Derived Forms

• noncommodity
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• commodities
  plural

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

See Examples For:

commodity commodities

On the other hand, net commodity exporters such as Malaysia, and to a lesser extent, Indonesia, could see some offset on its currencies against the oil shock.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026

But, he added, "I would say the most sought-after commodity today is trust."

From Barron's ● Sep. 14, 2026

“The apparent end of forward guidance from the Fed has added another layer of uncertainty, making it more difficult for investors to predict how the Fed might respond if commodity prices remain elevated.”

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 13, 2026

As former Goldman Sachs commodity strategist Jeff Currie pointed out a month ago, “Nobody on planet earth consumes crude oil. Refineries do. Everyone else consumes gasoline and diesel.”

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 11, 2026

There, water is the best gift you can give—a precious commodity.

From "How Dare the Sun Rise" by Sandra Uwiringiyimana

History isn’t kind to U.S. stocks when commodities run hot.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 13, 2026

“We remain favorable on commodities and view pullbacks as opportunities to add exposure,” he said.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 13, 2026

In response to Lawcock, CEO Brandon Craig described uranium as very attractive, although “at this stage” only as a byproduct to favored commodities such as copper.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026

Kalshi’s commodities prediction markets include gold, silver, copper, WTI crude oil, Brent crude, gasoline, and natural gas.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 9, 2026

One of the main commodities returned on those voyages of centuries ago were travelers’ tales,* stories of alien lands and ex otic creatures that evoked our sense of wonder and stimulated future exploration.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

Related Words

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