Which of the following terms describes someone who buys and sells goods?

The term that best describes someone who buys and sells goods is "merchant." Merchants are individuals who engage in commerce, which includes the buying and selling of goods and services. Throughout history, merchants have played a vital role in economies by facilitating trade, connecting producers with consumers, and often moving goods across various regions. This profession has been crucial in the development of markets and economies in both ancient and modern societies.

While peasants typically refer to those engaged in agriculture or farming, and artisans are skilled workers who create handmade goods, neither of these roles primarily focuses on buying and selling goods as a central activity. An emperor, on the other hand, refers to a sovereign ruler of great authority, often with political power rather than involvement in trade activities.