adjective / noun

commercial

Connected with selling goods or services for profit.

The city allows commercial development along the busy main road.

Etymology

Latin con- and merx connect the word with people dealing together in merchandise. Commercial applies that trading connection to activities directed at selling goods or services for profit.

More examples

  • These photos are free for personal use, but commercial use requires permission.
  • Her first novel is a commercial success.
  • A radio commercial advertises the store's weekend sale.

Forms

commercial · commercials

commercially adverb — In a way connected with business or profit.

commercialize verb — To develop or use something for profit.

Similar words

business
Describes company activities generally, including those unrelated to sales.
for-profit
Explicitly identifies organizations or activities intended to earn a profit.