sell-off

1 of 2

noun

: a usually sudden sharp decline in security prices accompanied by increased volume of trading

sell off

2 of 2

verb

sold off; selling off; sells off

intransitive verb

: to suffer a drop in prices

Examples of sell-off in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
However, rising interest rates, profitability concerns, and a broader tech sector sell-off led to a steep decline in fintech valuations. Zennon Kapron, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 The pharmaceutical stock jumped 4.9%, rebounding from Friday’s sell-off on the back of weaker-than-expected drug trial data. Yun Li, CNBC, 22 Dec. 2024
Verb
Before Flix bought it, Greyhound’s previous owner sold off many of its downtown terminals to Alden Global; now its passengers wait for rides at gas stations and street corners in cities like Philadelphia and Cincinnati. Iain Martin, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 The company on Friday formally rejected the idea of selling off any piece of its business or turning over more information to rivals. Paresh Dave, WIRED, 21 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sell-off 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1976, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1976, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sell-off was in 1976

Dictionary Entries Near sell-off

Cite this Entry

“Sell-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sell-off. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.

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