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commercial

adj. · n.
US //kəˈmɝʃəɫ// UK //kəmˈɜːʃəl// com·mer·cial
  1. 1 related to business (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    related to buying and selling goods or services to make a profit.

    pertaining to the exchange of goods and services within a market economy, specifically with a focus on profit.

    Example

    The city center is full of commercial buildings like shops and offices.

    Example

    The company decided to delay the commercial release of the software until the security vulnerabilities were fully addressed.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it describes.
  2. 2 aviation/transport (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

    used for carrying passengers or cargo for money, rather than for private or military use.

    denoting aircraft, flights, or pilots engaged in the transport of passengers or freight for hire.

    Example

    He is training hard to get his commercial pilot license.

    Example

    Commercial aviation has seen a significant increase in fuel efficiency due to advancements in engine design over the last decade.
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  1. 3 an advertisement (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a short film or audio message that tries to sell you something on TV, radio, or the internet.

    a broadcast advertisement on television, radio, or digital streaming platforms.

    Example

    I hate it when the movie is interrupted by long commercials.

    Example

    The marketing agency produced a high-budget commercial that aired during the championship game to maximize brand exposure.

    Teacher's tip

    In British English, 'advert' or 'ad' is more common for print and TV, while 'commercial' is standard in American English for broadcast media.
Origin

From French commercial (“of, or pertaining to commerce”), from Late Latin commercialis, from Latin commercium. By surface analysis, commerce + -ial.

Word family

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