advertise

verb

ad·​ver·​tise ˈad-vər-ˌtīz How to pronounce advertise (audio)
advertised; advertising; advertises
1
transitive + intransitive : to make the public aware of (something or someone) especially by means of a published or broadcast notice
a web page advertising upcoming events
: such as
a
: to present (something or oneself) to the public in a way that is intended to attract customers : promote
… a social media marketplace where … members can advertise goods and services.Cathalena E. Burch
… Black Friday, a red-letter day when retailers advertise massive sales.Duncan Fine
Dealers are advertising prices about 3% to 5% below sticker price …Russ Mitchell
Construction on these houses is under way and some are already being advertised for sale.Ellie Brown
… some … brokers advertise themselves as offering no-commission trading.Charles Bovaird
All these systems work as advertised.Emme Hall
Of course, if you really want to host a successful yard sale, you'll need to advertise.Maurie Backman
b
transitive + intransitive : to announce (something wanted or offered) publicly
The position was advertised on various job sites.
The company is currently advertising for an accountant.
2
transitive
a
: to make (something) publicly and generally known
We tried not to advertise our presence.
I didn't want to advertise the fact that I could shell out for a luxury item …Kira Vermond
b
archaic : to make something known to (another person or persons) : notify sense 1
I have advertised him by secret means …William Shakespeare
… it seemed to Nathan as if the entire neighborhood were being advertised of the fact …Mary S. Watts
advertiser noun
plural advertisers
print advertisers
Station managers say many regular advertisers aren't able to buy ads now. Associated Press

Examples of advertise in a Sentence

They are advertising the new edition of the book. The vacation was advertised as a week in paradise. It turned out to be exactly as advertised. Business increased after we began to advertise on the radio. If you want to attract customers, it pays to advertise. The company is advertising for a secretary. We advertised the job in the paper. He stomped loudly to advertise his presence.
Recent Examples on the Web Coupled to a six-speed manual transmission, the inline six-cylinder engine features larger twin turbos and develops about 330 hp, though it was conservatively advertised as having only 276 hp. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2024 Some providers competed to recruit caregivers, advertising online and offering $1,500 or more as signing bonuses, and hundreds of dollars for referrals. Ted Alcorn Kaiti Sullivan, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2024 That’s because the block would once again be available to advertise for sale or lease if the city and developer opt to end talks. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2024 The median pay advertised for entry-level management consulting and financial analyst roles, by contrast, was $70,000 and $75,000, respectively. Jo Constantz, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2024 Social media influencers tend to trade in the currency of attention, and a quick glance at photographs of herself on Hall’s platforms advertise a woman not shy in attracting that. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2024 The three stores that will close are advertising 50% off merchandise store-wide. Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2024 One pitch advertised a service in which iSoon could efficiently conduct phishing campaigns against individuals or groups of Twitter users. Aaron Schaffer, Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2024 Still, the lawsuits point to the risk of exposure in the event the cup is damaged, noting Stanley cups are advertised as a reusable bottle for active people, with advertising often showing users drinking from the tumblers while hiking or performing activities that might increase the risk of damage. James Farrell, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'advertise.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English advertisen, avertysen "to pay attention to, take note of, notify, inform," borrowed from Anglo-French avertiss-, advertiss-, stem of avertir, advertir "to notify, (reflexive) recognize, be mindful of" — more at advert entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Time Traveler
The first known use of advertise was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near advertise

Cite this Entry

“Advertise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/advertise. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

advertise

verb
ad·​ver·​tise ˈad-vər-ˌtīz How to pronounce advertise (audio)
advertised; advertising
1
: to announce publicly especially by a printed notice or a broadcast
advertise a sale
2
: to call public attention to especially by pointing out desirable qualities so as to create a desire to buy or to do business with
advertise a cereal
advertise a store
3
: to give a public notice or advertisement
advertise for a lost dog
advertiser noun

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