Daily Word • Learn, play, and grow your vocabulary
Wholesale describes buying or selling goods in large quantities, usually to retailers. It's the opposite of retail, where individuals buy single items. Think of it as the Costco business model: buying in bulk at lower prices. Wholesale prices are generally lower because you're buying in larger volume. Imagine a candy shop owner buying boxes of chocolate versus you buying a single bar.
"Wholesale" originates from the Middle Dutch word "holsale," meaning "in large quantity." It combines "whole" (complete) and "sale" (act of selling). The term has been used in commerce for centuries to describe the sale of goods in bulk. It reflects the complete sale of a large quantity, rather than individual items.
In a video game, you might run a shop where you buy supplies wholesale and then sell them to individual players. The key to winning is finding the best wholesale prices and marking up your items enough to make a profit. A character in a TV series might start a business by buying clothes wholesale and reselling them online, showcasing entrepreneurial skills. Success is all about strategy.
"Wholesale" is useful when talking about business or economics. Understanding the difference between wholesale and retail is essential in commerce. Get to know such terms—you'll use them later! 👍
Get expertly crafted daily words delivered straight to your WhatsApp. Join thousands learning new words every day!
