commodity

[kuh-mod-i-tee]

noun

plural

commodities 

1. an article of trade or commerce, especially a product as distinguished from a service.

2. something of use, advantage, or value.

3. Stock Exchange.,  any unprocessed or partially processed good, as grain, fruits, and vegetables, or precious metals.

4. Obsolete.,  a quantity of goods.

commodity

/ kəˈmɒdɪtɪ /

noun

1. an article of commerce

2. something of use, advantage, or profit

3. economics an exchangeable unit of economic wealth, esp a primary product or raw material

4. obsolete

   1. a quantity of goods

   2. convenience or expediency

commodity

1. Any product manufactured or grown.

Other Word Forms

• noncommodity adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of commodity¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English commodite, from Anglo-French, from Latin commoditās “timeliness, convenience,” equivalent to commod(us) ( commode ) + -itās -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of commodity¹

C14: from Old French commodité, from Latin commoditās suitability, benefit; see _commodious

Example Sentences

Yet time can be a dangerous commodity in politics.

From BBC

Considering there has been an ongoing officials shortage, Vargas’ willingness to keep working while helping train the next generation of officials makes him a valuable commodity.

From Los Angeles Times

Liverpool, with justification, would regard Elliott as a more expensive commodity, and would expect any deal to reflect that.

From BBC

"My body is not a commodity. It never has been, and it never will be," she says.

From BBC

Butter was one of the most commonly taxed commodities in Europe.

From Salon

Related Words

• asset 
• goods 
• material 
• produce 
• product 
• property 
• stock