Word
peddle
Phoneticsped·dle, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɛdəɫ/
UK/pˈɛdəl/
Definition
v. to sell something, especially when you are trying to trick people or sell low-quality goods. It is often used for things like fake medicine or bad ideas.
v. to sell, especially in a dishonest or fraudulent manner; to circulate or spread something undesirable. Often carries a derogatory connotation regarding the quality or intent of the goods or information being sold.
Examples
“He used to peddle cheap watches on the street.”
“The company was accused of peddling false promises to investors who were desperate for a high return.”
“While the vendor claimed his herbal remedies were centuries old, the health department eventually shut him down for peddling unapproved substances to the public.”
Examples
simple
“He used to peddle cheap watches on the street.”
contextual
“The company was accused of peddling false promises to investors who were desperate for a high return.”
complex
“While the vendor claimed his herbal remedies were centuries old, the health department eventually shut him down for peddling unapproved substances to the public.”
Real-World Examples
“It peddles this notion that willpower guarantees outcomes, and if you just focus on the things you can control, you’ll be OK.” Etymology
Back-formation from pedlar. (Compare burgle from burglar.)
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/peddle