English Reference

Word

market

Phoneticsmar·ket, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈmɑɹkət/

UK/mˈɑːkɪt/

Definitions

01physical place for stalls

A1 · Beginner Countable noun

n. a place where people meet to buy and sell things, often from small tables or stalls.

n. a physical location, often outdoors or in a large hall, where multiple vendors set up stalls to sell merchandise.

“We bought fresh bread and local honey at the outdoor market on Saturday.”

“The city council recently renovated the historic covered market to accommodate more local artisans and organic food producers.”

02grocery store

A2 · Elementary Countable noun American English

n. a shop that sells food and household items.

n. a retail establishment, such as a grocery store or supermarket, selling food and domestic supplies.

“I need to stop at the market on my way home to get some milk.”

“The small corner market remains a vital resource for elderly residents who cannot travel to the larger supermarkets on the outskirts of town.”

03group of customers

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Economics

n. the group of people who might want to buy a particular product.

n. a specific demographic or group of potential consumers for a particular product or service.

“The company is trying to reach a younger market with its new smartphone.”

“Market research suggests that there is a significant untapped market for luxury eco-tourism among retirees in Northern Europe.”

04the trading system

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Economics

n. the business of buying and selling a specific type of product.

n. the abstract system or sector of commercial activity for specific goods or securities.

“The housing market has been very slow this year because of high interest rates.”

“Fluctuations in the global oil market have a direct and immediate impact on the operating costs of international shipping companies.”

05to promote and sell

B1 · Intermediate

v. to advertise and try to sell a product to people.

v. to promote or make a product available for sale through advertising and strategic positioning.

“They are marketing the new drink as a healthy alternative to soda.”

“The studio struggled to market the film effectively because it didn't fit neatly into a single genre like horror or comedy.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “market” in context.

01. markets like 02. market in the city's 03. market research 04. market town 05. market value 06. marketed for sale 07. competitive market 08. global market 09. international market

Word family

Related words

Idioms

Domain

Economics

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Very common
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

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English Reference