DictionaryhawkSelling in public
verb

hawk

To sell goods by calling out to people in public.

Vendors hawk fresh fruit to people walking through the market.

Etymology

The selling verb developed from hawker, a peddler. It names offering goods publicly, especially by calling out to attract potential buyers.

More examples

  • She hawks newspapers outside the station, shouting the latest headlines.
  • Vendors are hawking peanuts in the stands, calling to passing fans.
  • He hawked umbrellas on the sidewalk, calling out prices in the rain.

Forms

hawk · hawks · hawked · hawking

hawker noun — A seller who calls out in public.

Similar words

peddle
Emphasizes selling in streets or traveling from place to place.
sell
Does not imply calling out or working in public.