purveyor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "purveyor" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone who supplies or sells goods, often in a specialized context, such as food or services. Example: "The local bakery is a purveyor of artisanal bread and pastries, attracting customers from all over the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The size and scope of Oink's catalogue outdid any online music purveyor, and given its distributed nature, the archive was essentially indestructible.

The Guardian - Books

It is a lesson that has evaded Rafael Viñoly, purveyor of "fryscrapers" to London and Las Vegas, who seemingly can't resist channelling the powers of the sun into beams capable of singeing sun-loungers and scorching Jaguars.

The Guardian - Arts

A purveyor of characterless, chugging pop with a southern twang, Bryan's main innovation seems to be not wearing a stetson on stage.

The Guardian - Music

If you work for the state you are not "trying find the answers to difficult questions" but simply a purveyor of information, he says.

The Guardian

Terry, 77, is Prince Charles' favourite architect, a purveyor of classical confections from his drawing board in the quaint Essex village of Dedham.

The Guardian - Arts

Among its more recent purchases are two retailers for which it is planning expansion into Europe: B&M Retail, a British discount retailer now chaired by Sir Terry Leahy, a former Tesco boss turned CD&R adviser; and David's Bridal, an American purveyor of wedding paraphernalia now chaired by Paul Pressler, once of Gap.

The Economist

Despite the authors' affiliations, it is no purveyor of Silicon Valley propaganda even if it does betray some of the industry's usual arrogance.

The Economist

Lipper, another purveyor of mutual-fund data, has bought HedgeWorld, an online research firm, and the giant TASS database that powers it.

The Economist

These are not shipments of medicines or emergency rations, but speed is just as vital: the goods are clothes of the latest fashion, in hot demand everywhere.Welcome to the world of Zara, purveyor of mass fashion.

The Economist

In fact, Countrywide had become a leading purveyor of toxic mortgage products that would take the company to the brink of bankruptcy.In this section Caught in the net History of an unfinished fight Left out in the rain Piecing it together The king's shilling Inside moves ReprintsSimilar tensions prevailed across Wall Street.

The Economist

Venmo, ultimately part of PayPal, a purveyor of the sort of online wallets banks dread, is widely used by American youngsters for sending each other small amounts of cash.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "purveyor" when you want to emphasize the role of someone who provides not just goods, but also ideas, information, or a particular lifestyle.

Common error

Avoid using "purveyor" in very casual or informal contexts. It can sound pretentious if a simpler word like "supplier" or "seller" would suffice. For example, instead of saying "He's a purveyor of snacks at the park", use "He sells snacks at the park".

Linguistic Context

The noun "purveyor" functions as a descriptor, identifying an entity that supplies goods, services, or information. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage as a noun, highlighting its role in specifying the provider of something, aligning with examples from news articles and academic texts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "purveyor" correctly describes someone who supplies goods, services, or information, often in a specialized or formal context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage as a noun. It is most frequently found in news and media, business, and encyclopedic sources. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in informal settings. Consider alternatives such as "supplier" or "vendor" for simpler language. By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively use "purveyor" to add sophistication and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supplier

A general term for someone who provides goods or services, less formal than "purveyor".

vendor

Similar to supplier, often used for someone selling goods in a public place.

provider

Emphasizes the act of furnishing or supplying something needed.

distributor

Focuses on the act of circulating or dispensing goods within a network.

retailer

Specifically refers to someone who sells goods to consumers.

merchant

A historical term for someone involved in trade and commerce.

seller

A basic term for someone who offers something for sale.

source

Highlights the origin or point of supply for something.

agent

Refers to someone acting on behalf of another to provide goods or services.

stockist

Someone who keeps a stock of goods for sale.

FAQs

How can I use "purveyor" in a sentence?

"Purveyor" is typically used to describe a business or individual that provides specific goods or services, often of a specialized nature. For example, "The shop is a "purveyor" of fine wines" or "He is known as a "purveyor" of misinformation".

What are some synonyms for "purveyor"?

Alternatives to "purveyor" include "supplier", "vendor", "provider", or "distributor depending on the specific context".

Is "purveyor" a formal or informal word?

"Purveyor" is generally considered a more formal word. In informal settings, words like "seller" or "supplier" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between a "purveyor" and a "vendor"?

While both "purveyor" and "vendor" refer to someone who sells goods, "purveyor" often implies a higher quality or specialization of the goods or services offered, whereas "vendor" is a more general term.