eBay is an online marketplace that allows individuals and businesses to buy and sell a wide variety of goods. Founded in 1995, it operates on a bidding system where sellers can list items for auction or set a fixed price. Buyers can browse through millions of listings across different categories, from electronics to collectibles. The platform connects users globally, enabling them to find unique items that may not be available in local stores. eBay also offers buyer protection policies to ensure safe transactions, making it a popular choice for online shopping and selling.