commodity
Americannoun
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an article of trade or commerce, especially a product as distinguished from a service.
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something of use, advantage, or value.
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Stock Exchange. any unprocessed or partially processed good, as grain, fruits, and vegetables, or precious metals.
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Obsolete. a quantity of goods.
noun
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an article of commerce
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something of use, advantage, or profit
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economics an exchangeable unit of economic wealth, esp a primary product or raw material
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obsolete
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a quantity of goods
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convenience or expediency
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Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of commodity
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English commodite, from Anglo-French, from Latin commoditās “timeliness, convenience,” equivalent to commod(us) ( see commode) + -itās -ity
Explanation
A commodity is any useful or valuable thing, especially something that is bought and sold. Grain, coffee, and precious metals are all commodities. The word commodity is usually used in an economic context, as in importing commodities from other countries or trading in the stocks and commodities markets. You probably wouldn't say something like "I'm going to run to the corner store to pick up some commodities." This word can also be used figuratively to refer to anything valuable, like trust or patience. Some people think that honesty is a rare commodity in politics.
Vocabulary lists containing commodity
Fast Food Nation
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"A Modest Proposal," Vocabulary from the satire
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The Omnivore's Dilemma
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“With global commodity trade already facing notable logistical snares due to the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a resumption in Houthi attacks in the Red Sea would add yet another layer of complexity.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
WhiteHawk hedges 90% of its commodity price risk for the next 12 months and targets paying 75% of cash as dividends.
From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026
“The continued lack of progress towards restoring normal energy flows from the Middle East is reinforcing expectations of a prolonged period of elevated oil prices,” said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank.
From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026
Analysts warn that a severe El Niño could raise global food commodity prices by up to 9%.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026
There was always bread and commodity cheese you could get from the government.
From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
