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Synonyms

merchandising

American  
[mur-chuhn-dahy-zing] / ˈmɜr tʃənˌdaɪ zɪŋ /

noun

  1. the planning and promotion of sales by presenting a product to the right market at the proper time, by carrying out organized, skillful advertising, using attractive displays, etc.

merchandising British  
/ ˈmɜːtʃənˌdaɪzɪŋ /

noun

  1. the selection and display of goods in a retail outlet

  2. commercial goods, esp ones issued to exploit the popularity of a pop group, sporting event, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of merchandising

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; merchandise, -ing 1

Vocabulary lists containing merchandising

Century 21 Accounting, 9e, Chapters 8-10

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It has made sound shifts in marketing and merchandising and seems to be coming into its moment.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

“We know consumers are increasingly prioritizing healthier lifestyles, and we’re moving quickly to evolve our offerings to meet their needs,” said Cara Sylvester, Target’s chief merchandising officer, in the release.

From Salon • Mar. 5, 2026

Bycoff, who owns the stock, wants to hear more about Fiddelke’s merchandising strategies—such as more partnerships with brands like Levi’s—that could help the company differentiate itself from competitors.

From Barron's • Mar. 2, 2026

Chelsea also made far less from merchandising and kit sales than the five other wealthiest Premier League clubs.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

Clearly I am going to have what is known in our commercial terminology as a merchandising problem.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.