retail

[ree-teyl, ri-teyl]

noun

1. the sale of goods to ultimate consumers, usually in small quantities (wholesale ).

adjective

1. pertaining to, connected with, or engaged in sale at retail.

   the retail price.

adverb

1. in a retail quantity or at a retail price.

verb (used with object)

1. to sell at retail; sell directly to the consumer.

2. to relate or repeat in detail to others.

   to retail scandal.

verb (used without object)

1. to be sold at retail.

   It retails at 50 cents.

retail

/ ˈriːteɪl /

noun

1. the sale of goods individually or in small quantities to consumers Compare wholesale

adjective

1. of, relating to, or engaged in such selling

   retail prices

adverb

1. in small amounts or at a retail price

verb

1. to sell or be sold in small quantities to consumers

2. (tr) to relate (gossip, scandal, etc) in detail, esp persistently

retail

1. A term describing businesses that sell goods directly to individuals. (Compare wholesale.)

Other Word Forms

• retailer noun
• nonretail adjective
• nonretailer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of retail¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; (for the noun) late Middle English, from Anglo-French: “a cut,” derivative of retailler “to cut,” from re- re- + tailler “to cut” ( tail ² ); (for the verb) Middle English retailen, from Old French retailler

Word History and Origins

Origin of retail¹

C14: from Old French retaillier to cut off, from _re- + taillier to cut; see _tailor

Example Sentences

She had her eye on the annual beauty product advent calendar from the London-based brand Liberty, which retails for $365, but decided against it due to the tariffs.

From Los Angeles Times

They typically take place in large car parks at supermarkets, retail parks or industrial estates.

From BBC

He added that the brand's future in Britain looks "hugely exciting", having just opened its 100th retail outlet.

From BBC

Her brand has been featured in magazines, such as Vogue China, and showcased at international fashion weeks and high-end retail spaces from Hawaii to London, Paris and Shanghai.

From BBC

“You see less foot traffic, which means that in neighborhoods like Koreatown, which relies on retail and restaurants, you aren’t seeing customers. Everyone is suffering.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• peddle 

When To Use

What does retail mean?

Retail is the sale of goods to the person who will actually use the goods. It is often used to describe the consumer goods industry, as in Jade worked in retail over the summer break to earn money for school.Retail is also used to describe something related to sales at retail, as in While the wholesale price is low, the retail price is much higher because the store’s rent is also very high.To retail is to sell directly to the consumer or to be sold at retail.Example: The retail store down the road has a sale on all sorts of good stuff today.