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

For example, retail brokerage Robinhood makes money when its customers place trades.

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The retail chains warn that the restrictions could backfire.

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It is the latest in a series of cyber-attacks by other hacking groups that have hit major firms around the world, including carmaker Jaguar Land Rover and retail giant Marks and Spencer.

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Meanwhile, retail investors clamour to get in on the start-up action.

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For years, AI in retail has been mostly predictive, helping forecast demand based on consumer demographics or shopping behavior.

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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.