markdown

1 of 2

noun

mark·​down ˈmärk-ˌdau̇n 

1

: a lowering of price

2

: the amount by which an original selling price is reduced

mark down

2 of 2

verb

marked down; marking down; marks down

transitive verb

: to put a lower price on

Synonyms

Verb

• attenuate
• break
• cheapen
• depreciate
• depress
• devaluate
• devalue
• downgrade
• lower
• reduce
• sink
• write down
• write off

Examples of markdown in a Sentence

Verb

marked down all seasonal goods immediately after the holidays

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Even luxury items have received a generous markdown, with the Burberry Check Jacquard Travel Pouch boasting a jaw-dropping 49 percent off discount. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 4 Jan. 2025

Despite robust overall European sales, which account for 50% of total revenues, Guess encountered margin pressure due to elevated inventory levels and markdowns. —Trefis Team, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025

Verb

The name is short for Project 180, signaling a desire to flip retail on its head — in part by taking goods that would have been marked down and putting them into a rental ecosystem. —Evan Clark, WWD, 8 Jan. 2025

As Grey Goose prepares to make its mark down under, the Lemon Ace exemplifies a calculated effort to blend tradition with modernity. —Rachel King, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1880, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1833, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

markdown

1 of 2 noun

mark·​down ˈmärk-ˌdau̇n 

1

: a lowering of price

2

: the amount by which an original selling price is reduced

mark down

2 of 2 verb

(ˈ)märk-ˈdau̇n

: to put a lower price on

marked down all the books for the sale