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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
The reasons for the sell-off include a slightly weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter outlook; comments about a more gradual bioprocessing recovery in 2025 than what the Street expected; and ongoing headwinds in China. Jeff Marks, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2024 Her contract with Kmart expired at the end of July 2021, and there was about a yearlong sell-off period. David Moin, WWD, 21 Oct. 2024
Verb
Investors sold off bonds, causing the 10-year Treasury note yield to rise 17 basis points. Rob Wile, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024 Since then Christie’s sold off Sly Stallone’s GMC, which seems to have angered Patek CEO Thierry Stern. Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 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 14 Nov. 2024.

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