retail

American  

[ree-teyl, ri-teyl] / ˈri teɪl, rɪˈteɪl /

noun

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

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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 British  

/ ˈriːteɪl /

noun

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

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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 Cultural  

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

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Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

• nonretail adjective
• nonretailer noun
• retailer noun

Etymology

Origin of retail

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

Example Sentences

Wall Street expects the legislation to help the retail industry more broadly.

From MarketWatch

Solid growth from JD.com’s retail unit likely helped the business of its logistics arm in 4Q, they say.

From The Wall Street Journal

Fashion retail chain Next has reported stronger-than-expected sales over the key Christmas period but warned rising unemployment could weigh on UK consumer spending this year.

From BBC

Tariff costs did not lead to significant hikes in retail prices in 2025, in part because dealers were selling autos from inventory.

From Barron's

“Near-term investor concerns are valid, yet all stem from having arguably too much consumer demand — something hard to find in any corner of retail,” he said.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• peddle