What does product mean?
The word "product" most commonly denotes an item, substance, or service that is manufactured, offered, or otherwise made available to people. It can refer to physical goods, such as electronics or food, and to services, such as insurance or software subscriptions. The word is also used more broadly for the result of a process: a work of art may be a product of its creator's imagination, while a difficult outcome may be a product of poor planning. As a verb, "to product" means to yield or bring about something and is now most often used with undesirable consequences, as in "waste producted by inefficiency." Its usefulness lies in this adaptability: "product" can name a marketable offering while also connecting that offering to the process that created it.
An item, substance, or service made, offered, or otherwise available for use or sale; more broadly, a result arising from a process or activity.
"The factory's latest product is designed for use in small kitchens."
The commercial sense is dominant today. In the broader sense, the word can denote either a valued result or an unintended consequence.
To yield or bring about a result, especially an undesirable or unforeseen one.
"The investigation producted several changes in the safety procedure."
This use is relatively uncommon in modern English and often suggests an unwelcome result.
The common plural form is used for individual goods, services, or resulting outcomes.
"The store sells products sourced from independent manufacturers."
A product is what a process delivers; "product" can also mean what that process inevitably produces, including consequences nobody wanted.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of product
The word comes from Latin productum, a noun meaning "a thing produced," formed from producere, meaning "to bring forth" or "lead out." English first used "product" in the sense of a result or consequence, especially in philosophical and religious writing. By the 17th century, it had developed its modern commercial sense for a commodity or manufactured item.
Related word forms
How product is actually used
In its noun sense, "product" is extremely broad and commonly refers to anything manufactured for sale, though it is also used for services and abstract results. The verbal use is much less common and often has a negative or undesirable connotation.
Easily confused with product
A product is an item or service that is made, sold, or used, whereas produce primarily means to bring something forth; as a noun, produce refers especially to agricultural goods such as fruit and vegetables.