trade

/ˈtrād/

Middle English, from Middle Low German; akin to Old High German trata track, course, Old English tredan to tread

noun

  1. the business of buying and selling or bartering commodities : commerce

  2. business, market

  3. dealings between persons or groups

business commerce trade industry traffic mean activity concerned with the supplying and distribution of commodities. business may be an inclusive term but specifically designates the activities of those engaged in the purchase or sale of commodities or in related financial transactions. commerce and trade imply the exchange and transportation of commodities. industry applies to the producing of commodities, especially by manufacturing or processing, usually on a large scale. traffic applies to the operation and functioning of public carriers of goods and persons.

verb

  1. to give one thing in exchange for another

  2. to engage in the exchange, purchase, or sale of goods

  3. to make one's purchases : shop

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or used in trade

  2. intended for or limited to persons in a business or industry

  3. serving others in the same business rather than the ultimate user or consumer