■ noun
1》 a regular gathering of people for the purchase and sale of provisions, livestock, and other commodities.
↘an open space or covered building where vendors convene to sell their goods.
2》 an area or arena in which commercial dealings are conducted: the labour ~.
3》 a demand for a particular commodity or service.
↘[often as modifier ] the free ~; the operation of supply and demand: ~ forces.
4》 a stock ~.
■ verb ( ~s , ~ing , ~ed )
1》 advertise or promote.
2》 offer for sale.
3》 US go shopping for provisions.
Phrases
be in the ~ for wish to buy.
make a ~ Finance take part in active dealing in shares or other assets.
on the ~ available for sale.
Derivatives
~er noun
Origin
ME, via Anglo-Norman Fr. from L. mercatus , from mercari 'buy' (see also merchant ).