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

Don’t miss the markdowns on Martha Stewart’s line of bedding at Amazon now. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025

Their impeccable perfume department includes markdowns on scrumptious personal scents from Ellis Brooklyn and Glossier. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024

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