peddler
Americannoun
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a person who sells from door to door or in the street.
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a person who tries to promote some cause, candidate, viewpoint, etc.
noun
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a person who sells illegal drugs, esp narcotics
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the usual US spelling of pedlar
Etymology
Origin of peddler
1350–1400; Middle English pedlere, unexplained variant of peder, derivative of ped ( de ) basket
Explanation
A peddler is a specific type of salesperson: someone who travels from town to town selling their wares. A peddler is someone who sells things, but it's a very specific type of selling. Peddlers — also known as hawkers and pitchmen — travel from town to town, especially with a carnival or circus. Peddlers are also found on the street, selling many different things, from jewelry to DVDs. There's a shady implication to this word, since peddlers have included people selling snake oil and other worthless products. Instead of buying from a peddler, you're probably better off at a store.
Vocabulary lists containing peddler
"The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin
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The Breadwinner
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A Long Way from Chicago
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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.
“He is an American manifestation, the peddler at our door,” he says.
From Slate • Feb. 25, 2026
So when a peddler arrives with a rare item and information, the overseer’s interest is piqued.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026
He grew up believing his father was a poor street peddler.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2025
Gherie Wedeyesus, a teacher from Brent, said: "Let's put an end to this peddler of misery. Let's end this reign of terror and abolish Ofsted."
From BBC • Apr. 10, 2023
“Mr. Pinkerton said he would see you at three o’clock, but Mr. Maroney’s letter said the book peddler will come at six o’clock. Why the difference?”
From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan
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.
