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salesmanship

American  
[seylz-muhn-ship] / ˈseɪlz mənˌʃɪp /

noun

  1. the technique of selling a product.

    They used a promotional gimmick that was the last word in salesmanship.

  2. adeptness at creating interest in new ideas, products, methods, etc..

    The only ingredient lacking in the system was salesmanship.


salesmanship British  
/ ˈseɪlzmənʃɪp /

noun

  1. the technique, skill, or ability of selling

  2. the work of a salesman

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of salesmanship

1875–80; salesman + -ship; cf. -manship

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That outcome required bold investments, brilliant salesmanship and, in some cases, disregard for vulnerable players and indifference to loyal fans.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

In 1987, inspired by the salesmanship of the televangelists, Renker and his friend Bill Guthy saw an opportunity of their own.

From Slate • Feb. 21, 2025

But that’s just a hopeful bit of salesmanship.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 20, 2025

If Hunt’s hiring of Reid underscored his salesmanship and business acumen, Lurie’s decision highlighted his keen eye for talent and willingness to take a gamble.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 5, 2023

The cyclotron’s celebrity as a technological phenomenon fed on itself, fueling its inventor’s preference for engineering and salesmanship over the tedious drudgery of hard science.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik