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

Mattel Creations noted that the doll—which retails for $65—will begin shipping on or before December 13. —Tim Lammers, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

The look was paired with a gold Bottega Veneta Knot Clutch, which retails for $3,736, and matching jewelry by the brand. —Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 5 Dec. 2024

Noun

Crystal Millican is senior vice president of retail and marketing for Cookies, a California cannabis brand that launched in 2010 and now spans six countries. —Mary Jane Gibson, Rolling Stone, 8 Dec. 2024

In the world of online retail, a surprising trend has emerged — couponing is no longer just for the budget-conscious. —Rhett Power, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

Adjective

The stock, a favorite of retail traders, is up more than 15% in the past three months. —Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2024

By transforming dead retail spaces into vibrant residential centers, developers can address the housing shortage while revitalizing neighborhoods. —Chris Westfall, Forbes, 9 Dec. 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