Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
eBay is an online marketplace platform that allows individuals and businesses to buy and sell a vast array of goods through auctions or direct sales. It provides a space for buyers to find unique items and for sellers to reach a global audience.
Related terms
Online Marketplace: A digital platform where products or services are bought and sold by multiple third parties over the Internet.
Auction: A sales process where potential buyers place competitive bids on assets or services until the highest bid is reached.
E: commerce - The buying and selling of goods or services using the internet, and the transfer of money and data to execute these transactions