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 Twitter ultimately declined after staffers reviewed the tweets and found that Debbie Boehner, a real estate agent, advertised the number prominently on her own website, one of the people said. Ann Marimow, Washington Post, 17 Mar. 2024 In addition to being on a stage, Rosey is in charge of creating tickets, posters, and all other media design to advertise our shows. Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2024 Garver engineering firm of Fayetteville advertised for construction bids on Feb. 18 and Feb. 25 and will open the bids during a virtual meeting Tuesday. Lynn Kutter, arkansasonline.com, 16 Mar. 2024 The bags, retailing for $2.99, are now advertised on platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace for many times their original price. Gaetane Lewis, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2024 Gonzalez said authorities believe the party was advertised on social media. Kc Baker, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 Developer Garland Ellis advertised the lots to Fort Worth’s Black community in September 1944 with prices ranging from $175 to $300, which is roughly $3,000 to $5,000 today. Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2024 Energy drinks are advertised as a way to boost mental and physical performance, but a new study suggests that drinking them—even on occasion—may interfere with sleep. Kaitlin Vogel, Health, 7 Mar. 2024 Tickets were advertised to the public with appearances from both 42-year-old Kate and King Charles III on June 8 and 15, respectively. Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN, 6 Mar. 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 29 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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