noun
ware
WAIR/wer/
Goods made or offered for sale.
The merchant displays ceramic ware for sale.
Etymology
Old English waru meant both merchandise and protection. Goods were probably conceived of as objects of care—things kept in custody—connecting the protective sense with articles held for sale.
In context
Much of the silver ware was, of course, blackened, as none of it had been cleaned for years.
More examples
- Several makers offered their wares.
- She inspected the glazed ware.
- The shop specialized in kitchen ware.
Forms
ware · wares
Similar words
- goods
- The everyday collective term for saleable products.
- merchandise
- Emphasizes items offered for sale.