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

Rolling hardside suitcases, spacious duffel bags, and even backpacks have all received generous markdowns at REI ahead of Presidents Day weekend, making now the ideal time to upgrade your travel gear. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2025

Everlane The internet’s favorite basics brand is offering up a handful of markdowns prior to the President’s Day sale. —Jenifer Calle, Glamour, 4 Feb. 2025

Verb

Ugg Dakota Slippers Keep your feet comfortable and toasty at home with these Ugg slippers while they’re marked down by 35 percent. —Isabel Garcia, People.com, 5 Feb. 2025

These cropped corduroy pants are currently in our carts (and marked down to $100 from $138), plus this cropped crewneck that’s only $60. —Jenifer Calle, Glamour, 4 Feb. 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