promotion

American  

[pruh-moh-shuhn] / prəˈmoʊ ʃən /

noun

1. advancement in rank or position.

2. furtherance or encouragement.

3. the act of promoting.

4. the state of being promoted.

5. something devised to publicize or advertise a product, cause, institution, etc., as a brochure, free sample, poster, television or radio commercial, or personal appearance.

6. Also called queening.  Chess. the replacement of a pawn that has reached the enemy's first rank by a more powerful piece of the same color, usually a queen.

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Other Word Forms

• nonpromotion noun
• prepromotion noun
• promotional adjective
• self-promotion noun
• unpromotional adjective

Etymology

Origin of promotion

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Late Latin prōmōtiōn-, stem of prōmōtiō “movement forward, advancement”; equivalent to promote + -ion

Explanation

A promotion is a raise in pay or stature, or it's a way to raise the profile or attention of something. If you create an advertising promotion that increases sales of spray jeans in a can, for example, you might get a promotion to company vice-president. Words that start with pro- usually hint at something positive or forward moving, and a promotion is a moving up or a motion forward. A product promotion pushes the item out in front so it gets more exposure, and a work or school promotion raises your salary or moves you up a grade. If you’re in the military a promotion means a higher rank, with more people under your command, and the same happens if you earn a promotion in a club or organization like the scouts.

Example Sentences

“There’s a lot of chatter online about who isn’t selling plus sizes and who doesn’t carry your size, but there isn’t nearly enough promotion of the places that do,” she says.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

Parker has won promotion in all three of his seasons as a second-tier manager, with Fulham, Bournemouth and Burnley.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Some customers started showing up with takeout containers to fill for home, and the promotion stressed out restaurant staff.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

It’s not just that all of this promotion is missing the mark; it’s assuming that fans of the film overlooked the original movie’s messaging about being wary of what’s being sold to them, and how.

From Salon • Apr. 20, 2026

By developing their skills, socializing with influencers, and pursuing risks that encouraged sensational press promotion, Leah, Maggie, and Kate claimed power for themselves in a particularly individual, American way.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock