e-commerce
UK: ˈiːˌkɒmɜːs | US: ˈiːˌkɑːmɜːrs
n. the buying and selling of goods or services over the internet
n. commercial transactions conducted electronically
e-commerce = e<electronic> + commerce<trade>
- e: Short for "electronic," derived from Greek ēlektron (amber, later associated with electricity). In modern usage, it denotes digital or internet-based activities.
- commerce: From Latin commercium (com<together> + merx<goods>), meaning "trade" or "exchange of goods."
Etymology Origin:
The term emerged in the 1990s with the rise of the internet, combining "e" (a prefix symbolizing digital technology) with "commerce" to describe online trade. The fusion reflects the shift from physical markets to virtual platforms, retaining the core idea of trade while modernizing its medium.
Many small businesses expanded their reach through e-commerce during the pandemic.
Amazon is a global leader in the e-commerce industry.
Consumers prefer e-commerce for its convenience and speed.
The company invested heavily in e-commerce infrastructure to boost sales.
E-commerce platforms often offer discounts to attract customers.