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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
So, initially, what factors have led to the sell-off? Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 Mike Lee’s proposal ‘a smokescreen’ for ‘unpopular’ sell-offs More outcry also came from groups like the Idaho Conservation League, the Sierra Club, the Idaho Trails Association and Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association. Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 26 June 2025
Verb
Oil, meanwhile, sold off during the recent conflict in a way that few expected, and in contrast to typical oil price increases during conflicts in the Middle East. Siena Griffin, CNBC, 30 June 2025 There’s been speculation for years that Apple might acquire Disney but in truth, plenty of other film studios (Lionsgate or Warner Bros. included) would be more eager to sell off lots. Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 30 June 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Sell-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sell-off. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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