WordGarden.iopurveyor
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /pɜːvˈeɪə/
US
- /pərˈveɪər/
Meanings
Noun
a person or business that sells or supplies particular goods
a person or source that spreads or promotes a particular kind of message or idea
Beyond the definition
A purveyor is a person or business that provides or sells a particular kind of thing. The word is often used for someone known for a certain product, service, or type of content. You might read about a purveyor of fine wines, a purveyor of vintage clothing, or even a purveyor of gossip. It often suggests a clear specialty, and sometimes quality, but not always. In short, a purveyor is someone who is known for offering a certain thing to others.
The word "purveyor" describes a person, company, or business that supplies or sells a particular kind of goods, services, or even ideas. It usually points to a known source of something rather than just any seller. A purveyor may offer food, clothing, furniture, information, or other things that people regularly associate with them.
Historically, a purveyor was an official supplier, especially one who provided provisions for a royal or noble household. That older meaning explains why the word still sounds a little formal today. In modern English, though, it is much broader. A restaurant may buy from local purveyors, a shop may be described as a purveyor of handmade goods, and a writer might call someone a purveyor of rumors or false hope.
The word often suggests specialization: the purveyor is known for dealing in a certain category of thing. Sometimes the tone is positive, especially when the focus is on quality or craftsmanship. At other times, it can be neutral or even negative, as in "a purveyor of lies" or "a purveyor of cheap tricks." So, while a purveyor can simply be a supplier or seller, the word usually adds the idea that this person or business is a recognized source of something specific.
Examples
- 1
Food supplier
The restaurant buys its olive oil from a small Italian purveyor.
- 2
Market vendors
At the holiday market, local purveyors sold cheese, bread, and honey.
- 3
Brand identity
The company presents itself as a purveyor of affordable luxury.
- 4
Media criticism
Critics see the channel as a purveyor of gossip rather than serious news.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- purveyor of fine foods
- purveyor of luxury goods
- purveyor of information
Word family
Explore
- supply chain
- procurement
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- purveyornoun
Forms
- purveyorspluralnoun