Merchandise
/ˈmɜːr.tʃən.daɪs/noun
Goods that are bought and sold.
Did you know?The word "merchandise" comes from a Latin root meaning 'to trade,' connecting it to ancient practices of bartering and mystical exchanges.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
mercari
“to trade or barter, often with a hint of magic in transactions.”
Old French
Old French
marchand
“a trader, often associated with the idea of traveling and exchanging goods.”
Middle English
Middle English
merchandise
“the act of trading or the goods offered for trade.”
Modern English
English
merchandise
“goods that are bought and sold, echoing the historical importance of trade.”