retail

1 of 4

verb

re·​tail ˈrē-ˌtāl 

 especially for sense 2 also  ri-ˈtāl

retailed; retailing; retails

transitive verb

1

: to sell in small quantities directly to the ultimate consumer

2

: tell, retell

intransitive verb

: to sell at retail

retailer noun

retail

2 of 4

noun

re·​tail ˈrē-ˌtāl 

: the sale of commodities or goods in small quantities to ultimate consumers

also : the industry of such selling

retail

3 of 4

adjective

re·​tail ˈrē-ˌtāl 

: of, relating to, or engaged in the sale of commodities at retail

retail trade

retail

4 of 4

adverb

re·​tail ˈrē-ˌtāl 

: in small quantities : from a retailer

Phrases

at retail

1

: at a retailer's price

2

: retail entry 4

Synonyms

Verb

• deal (in)
• market
• merchandise
• merchandize
• put up
• sell
• vend

Examples of retail in a Sentence

Verb

We retail clothing at the best possible prices.

jewelry that retails from $100

Noun

She has a job in retail.

Adjective

Is that price retail or wholesale?

Adverb

You usually have to pay more if you buy something retail than if you buy it wholesale.

The product sells retail for about $100.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Her clients are opting for colorful designs and unconventional jewelry, including the brand’s frog ring, which typically retails for $80, that couples have commissioned as engagement or wedding bands to mark the occasion. —Yola Mzizi, CNN, 21 June 2024

The back of the dress, which originally retailed for $2,575, also has gold zipper hardware. —Hedy Phillips, Peoplemag, 10 June 2024

Noun

The study surveyed 25 retail segments, ranging from beauty and health to household goods, general retail, sports, athleisure and entertainment. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 25 June 2024

Getting Into Retail And Thriving Explore the different strategies for successfully entering into the mass market of retail, moderated by GLAM Body Scrubs founder Tiffany Cartwright. —Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 25 June 2024

Adjective

In a veto letter,DeSantis called on legislators to reconsider the issue in the next legislative session and focus on quality control, retail sales, labeling, marketing and packaging. —Ashley Okwuosa, The Examination | Jordyn Noennig, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | Zoe Jaeger, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | Amy Yurkanin, Al.com, Journal Sentinel, 27 June 2024

Particularly concerning for Walgreens was its retail sales falling 4% for the quarter. —Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 27 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French retaille cutting, deduction, retail, from retailler to cut out, from re- + tailler to cut — more at tailor

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1601, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1784, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing retail

• at retail
• retail park
• the retail price index

Kids Definition

retail

1 of 4 verb

re·​tail ˈrē-ˌtāl 

: to sell in small amounts to people for their own use

retailer noun

retail

2 of 4 noun

: the sale of products or goods in small quantities to people for their own use

retail

3 of 4 adjective

: of, relating to, or engaged in selling by retail

retail stores

retail

4 of 4 adverb

: in small quantities : from a retailer