salespeople
Americanplural noun
Usage
What does salespeople mean? Salespeople is a plural form of salesperson—a person whose job is to sell products or services. A less commonly used plural of salesperson is salespersons. 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. Salespeople are often said to “work in sales”—in which sales refers to the type of occupation or the division or department within a company. Salespeople can sell directly to customers or to other businesses or organizations. Sometimes, salespeople 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 salespeople 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: Salespeople are known for their ability to start a conversation with anyone.
Etymology
Origin of salespeople
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.
His advice to chief executives is to flatten organizations, eliminate “glue people” who perform routine tasks, and focus on inventors, salespeople and leaders.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 21, 2026
Home Depot devised a strategy of hiring former professional tradespeople en masse—carpenters, plumbers, electricians—to staff stores as their salespeople.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026
Cubicles, where salespeople used to “talk numbers” and finance managers attempted to persuade customers to add extended warranties, have been repurposed.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 17, 2026
“That last condition is the one most salespeople skip,” Judge said.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 16, 2026
The salespeople seemed friendlier there and didn't shout us down anytime we touched something.
From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals
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