The Hebrew word so rendered is from a root meaning "to travel about," "to migrate," and hence "a traveller." In the East, in ancient times, merchants travelled about with their merchandise from place to place (Genesis 37:25; Job 6:18), and carried on their trade mainly by bartering (Genesis 37:28; 39:1). After the Hebrews became settled in Palestine they began to engage in commercial pursuits, which gradually expanded (49:13; Deuteronomy 33:18; Judges 5:17), till in the time of Solomon they are found in the chief marts of the world (1 Kings 9:26; 10:11, 26, 28; 22:48; 2 Chronicles 1:16; 9:10, 21). After Solomon's time their trade with foreign nations began to decline. After the Exile it again expanded into wider foreign relations, because now the Jews were scattered in many lands.

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) One who traffics on a large scale, especially with foreign countries; a trafficker; a trader.

2. (n.) A trading vessel; a merchantman.

3. (n.) One who keeps a store or shop for the sale of goods; a shopkeeper.

4. (a.) Of, pertaining to, or employed in, trade or merchandise; as, the merchant service.

5. (v. i.) To be a merchant; to trade.