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DictionarycommerceTrade
noun

commerce

KAH-murs/ˈkɑːmɜːrs/

The buying and selling of goods and services.

Buying and selling produce brings commerce to the busy market.

Buying produce illustrates commerce.
Etymology
comLatinwith, together
+merceLatinmerchandise

The combination of 'together' and 'merchandise' points to trade as an exchange between people. English first used commerce more broadly for social dealings, before its buying-and-selling sense became established.

In context

U.S. Coast Guard0:44
The goal is to keep vital waterways like the Hudson River open for commerce so that we can ensure they deliver their essential goods like heating and fuel oil to communities
Breaking the ice to keep trade flowing.

More examples

  • The port supports international commerce.
  • Local commerce slowed during the bridge repairs.
  • Online commerce changed how the shop reached customers.

Forms

commerce

Similar words

trade
Often emphasizes exchanges between businesses, regions, or countries.
business
Business is broader and includes activities beyond buying and selling.