salesperson
Americannoun
Usage
What does salesperson mean? A salesperson is a person whose job is to sell products or services. Another term for salesperson is sales rep (or sales representative). The terms salesman and saleswoman are still commonly used, but salesperson and sales rep are often used in their place. The plural of salesperson can be salespeople or salespersons. A salesperson is often said to “work in sales”—in which sales refers to the type of occupation or the division or department within the company. A salesperson can sell directly to customers or to other businesses or organizations. Sometimes, salespersons sell things in person, such as at a retail store or dealership. They also commonly sell things over the phone or by communicating with people online. In the past, it was common for some salespersons to travel door-to-door to make sales to people at home. A salesperson who has to travel as part of their job can be called a traveling salesperson. The word salesperson is sometimes used in a somewhat figurative way to refer to someone who’s skilled at persuading people, especially in a business or professional setting, as if they are selling them a product. Example: The salesperson told me that this was the best deal he could give me.
Gender
See -person.
Etymology
Origin of salesperson
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.
To be a great philosophical mind — that is, someone who can convince others of their beliefs about the human mind and our larger nature — one must also be a salesperson.
From Salon • Apr. 29, 2026
It’s more important than ever to ask any financial adviser or insurance salesperson these key questions.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026
Taylor, 71, remembers that "as soon as the salesperson took her up to the flat, that was it, she was sold - she absolutely loved it".
From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026
“Ask the salesperson for a pillow. Then check the following: Lie on your back and focus on your spine. It should be neutral, not arched, and your hips and shoulders should feel cradled.”
From MarketWatch • Jan. 26, 2026
The salesperson helping her was distracted when another customer asked a question.
From "City Spies" by James Ponti
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
