What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
materialman
Example
The materialman delivered the steel beams to the construction site. [materialman: noun]
Example
The company hired a materialman to provide the necessary components for their new product line. [materialman: noun]
vendor
Example
The vendor at the farmer's market sold fresh produce and homemade jams. [vendor: noun]
Example
The company hired a vendor to provide IT services for their office. [vendor: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vendor is more commonly used than materialman in everyday language. Vendor is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while materialman is more specific and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between materialman and vendor?
Both materialman and vendor can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, materialman may be more formal due to its technical connotation and association with the construction or manufacturing industry.