n.
Pronunciation: ' mär-k ə t
Function: noun
Usage: often attrib
Etymology: Middle English, probably from Continental GMC; akin to Old Saxon markat marketplace, Old High German marc ā t, both ultimately from Latin mercatus trade, marketplace, from mercari to trade, from merc-, merx merchandise
Date: 12th century
1 a (1) : a meeting together of people for the purpose of trade by private purchase and sale and usually not by auction (2) : the people assembled at such a meeting b (1) : a public place where a market is held especially : a place where provisions are sold at wholesale <a farmers' market > (2) : a retail establishment usually of a specified kind <a fish market >
2 archaic : the act or an instance of buying and selling
3 : the rate or price offered for a commodity or security
4 a (1) : a geographic area of demand for commodities or services (2) : a specified category of potential buyers <the youth market > b : the course of commercial activity by which the exchange of commodities is effected : extent of demand <the market is dull> c (1) : an opportunity for selling <a good market for used cars> (2) : the available supply of or potential demand for specified goods or services <the labor market > d : the area of economic activity in which buyers and sellers come together and the forces of supply and demand affect prices <producing goods for market rather than for consumption>
– in the market : in the position of being a potential buyer < in the market for a house>
– on the market : available for purchase also : up for sale <put their house on the market >