wholesale

American  

[hohl-seyl] / ˈhoʊlˌseɪl /

noun

1. the sale of goods in quantity, as to retailers or jobbers, for resale (retail ).

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or engaged in sale by wholesale.

2. extensive; broadly indiscriminate.

   wholesale discharge of workers.

   Synonyms:

   promiscuous, undiscriminating, inclusive, thorough, comprehensive, far-reaching

adverb

1. in a wholesale way; on wholesale terms.

   I can get it for you wholesale.

2. in large quantities; on a large scale, especially without discrimination.

   Wild horses were slaughtered wholesale.

verb (used with or without object)

wholesaled, wholesaling

1. to sell by wholesale.

wholesale British  

/ ˈhəʊlˌseɪl /

noun

1. the business of selling goods to retailers in larger quantities than they are sold to final consumers but in smaller quantities than they are purchased from manufacturers Compare retail

2. 1. in large quantities

   2. at wholesale prices

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or engaged in such business

2. made, done, etc, on a large scale or without discrimination

adverb

1. on a large scale or without discrimination

verb

1. to sell (goods) at wholesale

wholesale Cultural  

1. The sale of merchandise to retailers rather than directly to the public.

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Other Word Forms

• wholesaler noun

Etymology

Origin of wholesale

1375–1425; late Middle English, from the phrase by hole sale in gross; whole, sale

Example Sentences

When farm prices change, wholesale prices usually adjust within the first month, but retail prices often take longer – sometimes two to four months.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

Higher wholesale energy prices often show up first at the fuel pump and this is being seen, not just in the US but around the world.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

The results come as Nike looks to stoke a turnaround, including efforts to rebuild its wholesale channel, grow its running business, clear out old inventory and refocus on the performance sportswear it’s known for.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

The wholesale restaurant food distributor struck a deal to acquire Jetro Restaurant Depot for around $29 billion, including debt.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Slapping his knee, he picked up the wholesale order form and I started back to the storage room.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

Related Words

• extensive
• indiscriminate
• large-scale
• sweeping