/ weə(r); NAmE wer/ noun
1.
[ U ] (in compounds) objects made of the material or in the way or place mentioned :
ceramic ware
a collection of local ware
basketware
—see also earthenware , flatware , glassware , silverware
2.
[ U ] (in compounds) objects used for the purpose or in the room mentioned :
bathroom ware
ornamental ware
homeware
—see also kitchenware , tableware
3.
wares [ pl. ] ( old-fashioned ) things that sb is selling, especially in the street or at a market :
He travelled from town to town selling his wares.
➡ note at product
••
WORD ORIGIN
Old English waru commodities , of Germanic origin, perhaps the same word as Scots ware cautiousness , and having the primary sense object of care .