monger

1 of 2

noun

mon·​ger ˈməŋ-gər  ˈmäŋ- 

1

: broker, dealer

—usually used in combination

alemonger

2

: a person who attempts to stir up or spread something that is usually petty or discreditable

—usually used in combination

warmonger

monger

2 of 2

verb

mongered; mongering ˈməŋ-g(ə-)riŋ 

ˈmäŋ-

transitive verb

: peddle

Did you know?

Peddlers (especially fish merchants) have been called mongers for more than 1000 years. The term traces to a Latin noun meaning "trader." Initially, it was an honorable term, but every profession has its bad apples, and the snake-oil salesmen of the bunch gave monger a bad reputation. By the middle of the 16th century, the term often implied that a merchant was dishonorable and contemptible. Nowadays, monger is typically appended to another word to identify a trader of a particular type. Some combinations (such as fishmonger) suggest respectable commerce, whereas others (such as rumormonger, scandalmonger, and hypemonger) imply that a person is trading or spreading information in a careless or deceptive manner.

Examples of monger in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Understanding the best way to store different types of cheese is key to make the most of that bounty from your local cheese monger—and no, a plastic bag is not the right way to go. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 9 May 2025

Proteins come from local butchers, seafood mongers, etc. —Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025

Verb

White House blames tariff 'fear mongering' The Trump administration is betting any short-term pain will be worth it. —Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025

But lawyers behind the initial push for reform said prosecutors and the governor were using fear mongering tactics to scare the public into turning back the clock. —Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English mongere, from Old English mangere, from Latin mangon-, mango, of Greek origin; akin to Greek manganon charm, philter

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1864, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for monger

• hunger
• younger

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!