Pronunciation: [mˈɜːt͡ʃɐndˌa͡ɪz] (IPA) 
Merchandise is spelled (/ˈmɜːtʃəndaɪz/). The word is composed of the root "merchand" and the suffix "-ise". The "ch" sound is pronounced (/tʃ/), which can often be a tricky sound to spell. The "d" sound is pronounced (/d/) because of the suffix "-ise", which changes the "t" in "merchand" to a voiced "d". The word refers to goods that are bought or sold, and is a common term used in the retail industry.
Merchandise refers to goods or products that are bought and sold commercially. It encompasses all types of tangible items that are produced, marketed, and distributed by businesses.
Merchandise can be classified into various categories, depending on its nature and purpose. This includes consumer goods which are intended for everyday personal use, such as clothes, electronics, furniture, and household items. It also includes industrial goods like machinery and equipment used for industrial or manufacturing purposes. Moreover, merchandise can also refer to raw materials or components necessary for the production of finished goods.
The term merchandise is closely associated with the concept of retail, as it encompasses the items available for sale in stores and online platforms. Retailers play a crucial role in the distribution of merchandise, as they purchase goods from manufacturers or wholesalers and make them available to consumers through their store locations, e-commerce platforms, or other sales channels.
Merchandise plays a vital role in the economy, contributing to both business profitability and consumer satisfaction. The buying and selling of merchandise constitute a significant portion of economic transactions, driving business growth, generating employment, and fulfilling consumer needs and desires.
In summary, merchandise refers to goods and products that are commercially produced and bought and sold in various industries. It encompasses a wide range of tangible items and is essential for economic development and trade.
Anything bought and sold in trade; goods; wares.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "merchandise" has its origins in the Latin language. It comes from the Latin word "mercēs", which means "ware" or "commodity". This Latin term is derived from the verb "merx", meaning "goods" or "merchandise". Over time, it entered Old French as "merchandise", retaining a similar meaning. Eventually, it was adopted into Middle English and later Modern English without significant changes in its meaning.
