silent auction

noun

: an auction in which sealed bids are submitted beforehand

Examples of silent auction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The event features a chili-tasting contest, where participants vote for the best, along with music, a raffle, silent auction and a cash bar. San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025 The festive evening, which includes cuisine from Arthur’s, an open bar and a silent auction, begins at 5 p.m. March 30 at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E. Rollins St. in Orlando. Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025 Bids for the benefit’s silent auction items, including one-of-a-kind donations from music stars, can be submitted on the Music Will website. Chris Willman, Variety, 27 Feb. 2025 The auction will be held from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday, with the silent auction ending at 4 p.m. at Nacho Mama’s in Towson, located at 2 W. Pennsylvania Ave. Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 6 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for silent auction

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of silent auction was in 1866

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Cite this Entry

“Silent auction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silent%20auction. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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