What does vendor mean?
A vendor is someone who sells goods or provides services in exchange for payment. The term applies both to an individual trader, such as a street vendor, and to a business that supplies products or services to customers, especially another company. In discussions of software, hardware, food, retail, and public services, vendor can refer to the supplier rather than the individual salesperson. As a verb, to vendor means to sell or offer something for sale, often through an established business channel. Although seller is the broadest synonym, vendor often carries a more commercial or specialized tone and may suggest an ongoing supplier relationship. The word is common in British and American English, with no major regional difference in its core meaning. Its long history also connects it to the more general verb vend and to terms such as vendible.
A person or business that sells goods or provides services for payment, especially as a supplier.
"The vendor responded quickly to the customer's complaint."
The word often suggests a commercial supplier, and in business contexts it may refer to the company rather than the individual employee who makes a sale.
To sell or offer something for sale, especially as a supplier or authorized distributor.
"The company vendors its products through independent retailers."
This use is especially common in formal and commercial writing and is less frequent in casual conversation.
The regular plural is formed by adding -s.
"Several vendors competed to supply the event."
The word follows a remarkably direct path from Latin vendere, meaning “to sell,” through French and into everyday English.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of vendor
Vendor entered English in the late Middle English period through Old French vendor, ultimately derived from the Latin vendere, meaning “to sell.” The modern noun developed from the idea of a person who sells, while the verb continues the broader sense of offering something for sale. Related forms include vendible, derived from the same Latin root, and revendication, which ultimately comes from Latin revendicare, formed with re- and vendicare.
Related word forms
How vendor is actually used
In business and technology, vendor often specifically denotes a company that supplies products or services to organizations. It can also suggest a small or independent seller, particularly when used for someone trading in a market or online. The verb is most common in commercial contexts and is more characteristic of formal or professional usage.
Easily confused with vendor
Vender is a less common spelling variant of vendor, although vendor is the standard modern form.