auction

auc-tion · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A public sale where goods are sold to the highest bidder.

  2. 2.

    To sell something at an auction.

Forms

plural: auctions

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    auction house — A company that conducts auctions.
  • •
    Dutch auction — An auction starting with a high price that decreases.
  • •
    silent auction — An auction where bids are written, not spoken.
  • •
    up for auction — Available to be sold at auction.

Related words

See also: bid, sale
Synonyms: bidding, sale

Etymology

From Latin auctio ("an increase, a public sale"), from augere ("to increase"), referring to the increasing bids.