advertise

verb

ad·​ver·​tise ˈad-vər-ˌtīz How to pronounce advertise (audio)
advertised; advertising; advertises
1
transitive + intransitive : to make the public aware of (something or someone) especially by means of a published or broadcast notice
a web page advertising upcoming events
: such as
a
: to present (something or oneself) to the public in a way that is intended to attract customers : promote
… a social media marketplace where … members can advertise goods and services.Cathalena E. Burch
… Black Friday, a red-letter day when retailers advertise massive sales.Duncan Fine
Dealers are advertising prices about 3% to 5% below sticker price …Russ Mitchell
Construction on these houses is under way and some are already being advertised for sale.Ellie Brown
… some … brokers advertise themselves as offering no-commission trading.Charles Bovaird
All these systems work as advertised.Emme Hall
Of course, if you really want to host a successful yard sale, you'll need to advertise.Maurie Backman
b
transitive + intransitive : to announce (something wanted or offered) publicly
The position was advertised on various job sites.
The company is currently advertising for an accountant.
2
transitive
a
: to make (something) publicly and generally known
We tried not to advertise our presence.
I didn't want to advertise the fact that I could shell out for a luxury item …Kira Vermond
b
archaic : to make something known to (another person or persons) : notify sense 1
I have advertised him by secret means …William Shakespeare
… it seemed to Nathan as if the entire neighborhood were being advertised of the fact …Mary S. Watts
advertiser noun
plural advertisers
print advertisers
Station managers say many regular advertisers aren't able to buy ads now. Associated Press

Examples of advertise in a Sentence

They are advertising the new edition of the book. The vacation was advertised as a week in paradise. It turned out to be exactly as advertised. Business increased after we began to advertise on the radio. If you want to attract customers, it pays to advertise. The company is advertising for a secretary. We advertised the job in the paper. He stomped loudly to advertise his presence.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While the airline advertises fares starting at $99, including government taxes and fees, Travel + Leisure uncovered several deals this winter for even less. Stella Shon, Travel + Leisure, 10 Dec. 2024 In addition to accounting for about 60% of products sold, Amazon generates fees from providing fulfillment and shipping services as well as by offering customer support to sellers and charging them to advertise on the site. Ari Levy, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024 To grow your network: Attend industry meetups and professional events in person and online Reconnect with former colleagues and mentors Connect with people at target companies A robust network will give you insights into opportunities that aren’t advertised publicly. William Arruda, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 Another Grateful Dead co-founder, Bill Kreutzmann, had bowed out of Dead & Company before what was advertised as their final tour in 2023. Chris Willman, Variety, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for advertise 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English advertisen, avertysen "to pay attention to, take note of, notify, inform," borrowed from Anglo-French avertiss-, advertiss-, stem of avertir, advertir "to notify, (reflexive) recognize, be mindful of" — more at advert entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Time Traveler
The first known use of advertise was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near advertise

Cite this Entry

“Advertise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/advertise. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

advertise

verb
ad·​ver·​tise ˈad-vər-ˌtīz How to pronounce advertise (audio)
advertised; advertising
1
: to announce publicly especially by a printed notice or a broadcast
advertise a sale
2
: to call public attention to especially by pointing out desirable qualities so as to create a desire to buy or to do business with
advertise a cereal
advertise a store
3
: to give a public notice or advertisement
advertise for a lost dog
advertiser noun

More from Merriam-Webster on advertise

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