telemarketing

/ˈtɛləˌmɑrkədɪŋ/

/tɛlɪˈmɑkɪtɪŋ/

While many people may simply define telemarketing as annoying, it’s actually the practice of companies calling to promote or sell products and services over the phone — often just when you’re about to sit down for dinner.

The word telemarketing combines the prefix tele-, meaning "distant," with the word marketing, to describe the practice of selling products or services over the phone. Telemarketers reach out to potential customers, offering deals, promotions, or information about new products, often during the most inconvenient times. While some find it annoying, telemarketing has been a common sales tactic since the 20th century, allowing businesses to connect directly with consumers.

Definitions of telemarketing

1. noun

   the use of the telephone as an interactive medium for promotion and sales
   synonyms: telecommerce, teleselling

   types:

   telephone order

   receiving orders via telephone

   type of:

   marketing, merchandising, selling

   the exchange of goods for an agreed sum of money