marketplace

American  

[mahr-kit-pleys] / ˈmɑr kɪtˌpleɪs /

Or market place

noun

1. an open area in a town where a market is held.

2. the commercial world; the realm of business, trade, and economics.

3. any sphere considered as a place where ideas, thoughts, artistic creations, etc., compete for recognition.

---

marketplace British  

/ ˈmɑːkɪtˌpleɪs /

noun

1. a place where a public market is held

2. any centre where ideas, opinions, etc, are exchanged

3. the commercial world of buying and selling

---

Etymology

Origin of marketplace

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at market, place

Explanation

A marketplace is a location where people buy goods. When you travel to a new city, you should visit a marketplace to purchase souvenirs for your friends back home. Marketplace often describes an outdoor market where vendors sell produce, meat, crafts, and other goods. Depending where you are, a marketplace might be called a bazaar, a palengke, or a souk. A more general meaning is an economic system or market, or simply the everyday world where things get bought and sold. You should probably test your new lasagna-flavored ice cream in the marketplace to see if anyone will want to buy it!

Example Sentences

“We recognize that there is volatility in the marketplace, and we want to express our guidance” in a way that accounts for that volatility, Lynch said.

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

Tickets for the six matches at Toronto Stadium were removed from the official marketplace last week in response to the Canadian province passing its 2026 'Putting Fans First Act'.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

“Its key sustainable advantage is the integration of marketplace, logistics, and payments.”

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

A focus on collectibles could make the online marketplace a match for the videogame retailer.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

The chattering marketplace voices hushed as the ringing continued.

From "Fever 1793" by Laurie Halse Anderson

Related Words

• forum