auction

1 of 2

noun

auc·​tion ˈȯk-shən How to pronounce auction (audio)
1
: a sale of property to the highest bidder
2
: the act or process of bidding in some card games

auction

2 of 2

verb

auctioned; auctioning ˈȯk-sh(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce auction (audio)

transitive verb

: to sell at auction
auctioned off his library

Examples of auction in a Sentence

Noun She bought the desk at an auction. He made several bids at the auction. Verb They auctioned a similar desk last year. The house was auctioned last week.
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
The auction is part of the ongoing partnership between Julien’s and Turner Classic Movies, where Lynch often appeared to discuss his films and his creative process. Laurie Brookins, HollywoodReporter, 30 May 2025 With almost 50 items, the auction contributes to the total funds raised by the event for Children’s Mercy Hospital. Zuri Primos, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2025
Verb
The fundraiser’s Instagram account also says the opportunity to run against Rudd in the hot dog race was one of the items auctioned off during 2024’s event. Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2025 In December 2024, two identical versions of the historic dress happened to go to auction that same month — the first was at Kerry Taylor Auctions in London, and the second at auction house Sotheby’s in New York. Samantha Tse, CNN Money, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for auction

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin auction-, auctio, from augēre to increase — more at eke

First Known Use

Noun

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1723, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of auction was in 1595

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Cite this Entry

“Auction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/auction. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

auction

1 of 2 noun
auc·​tion ˈȯk-shən How to pronounce auction (audio)
: a sale at which things are sold to those who offer to pay the most

auction

2 of 2 verb
auctioned; auctioning -sh(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce auction (audio)
: to sell at auction
Etymology

Noun

from Latin auction-, auctio, from augēre "to increase" — related to augment

Legal Definition

auction

noun
auc·​tion
: a public sale of property to the highest bidder see also reserve

More from Merriam-Webster on auction

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