marketplace
UK: ˈmɑːkɪtpleɪs | US: ˈmɑːrkɪtpleɪs
n. a physical or virtual space where goods or services are bought and sold
n. a competitive environment for commercial transactions
n. (figurative) a domain where ideas or talents are exchanged
marketplace = market<trade> + place<location>
- market: Derived from Latin mercatus (trade, buying/selling), via Old French marchiet. Retains core meaning of commercial exchange.
- place: From Latin platea (broad street, open space), via Old French place. Evolved to denote any specific location.
Etymology Origin:
The word marketplace emerged in Middle English (14th century) by combining two concrete concepts: market (trade) and place (physical space). It originally described physical trading venues like town squares. Over time, it expanded to abstract contexts (e.g., digital platforms) while preserving the core idea of a transactional arena. The logic mirrors Latin mercatus + locus, but the English terms are more accessible to modern learners.
The bustling marketplace was filled with vendors selling fresh produce.
Online marketplaces like Amazon have revolutionized retail.
The job marketplace is highly competitive for recent graduates.
Artists use social media as a marketplace for their creative work.
The town’s historic marketplace attracts tourists every weekend.