dealer
UK: ˈdiːlə | US: ˈdiːlər
n. a person or business that buys and sells goods
n. a person who distributes cards in a game
n. (slang) a seller of illegal drugs
The word "dealer" originates from the Old English dǣlan ("to divide, distribute"), derived from Proto-Germanic dailijaną. The root "deal" originally meant "to divide or share," evolving into "to trade or negotiate" by the 16th century. The suffix "-er" denotes an agent, forming a noun for someone who performs the action (e.g., "trade" → "trader"). Over time, "dealer" expanded from general commerce to specific contexts like card games and illicit trade.
The car dealer offered a discount on the new model.
In poker, the dealer shuffles and distributes the cards.
Authorities arrested a drug dealer in the downtown area.
She works as an art dealer, specializing in modern paintings.
The antique dealer authenticated the 18th-century vase.