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

The popular brand, which collaborated with Dolly Parton last year, has rare markdowns of up to 38 percent off. —Isabel Garcia, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025

Right now, Amazon has major markdowns on shirts, flowy dresses, wide-leg pants, T-shirts and more that shoppers love for their wrinkle-resistant features. —Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 28 Mar. 2025

Verb

Lawn and grilling equipment, home storage, and bedding is also marked down, with up to 35% off. —Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 20 Mar. 2025

Though the sale hasn’t technically started, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is already marked down, along with some popular models from Ninja. —Emily Farris, Bon Appétit, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1880, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1833, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for markdown

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown

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