auctioneer

noun

auc·​tion·​eer ˌȯk-shə-ˈnir How to pronounce auctioneer (audio)
: an agent who sells goods at auction

Examples of auctioneer in a Sentence

The auctioneer started the bidding at $100.
Recent Examples on the Web Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. Charlie Fink, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 For years, Rybak says, these three overlapping rings manufactured perhaps tens of thousands of fakes and spread them around the globe, generating tens of millions of dollars for themselves, auctioneers and gallery owners. Jordan Michael Smith, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2024 Kraus, an auctioneer, took antiques from an Ottawa County home. Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 29 Jan. 2024 For Amanda Butler, head of operations at the auctioneer, the bidding experience was unlike anything she’s seen before. Kelly Wynne, Peoplemag, 15 Jan. 2024 The auctioneer is lowered from the ceiling in a gold and glass chamber, and the cars rise from beneath the floor and rotate on an illuminated platform. David Hill, Rolling Stone, 14 Jan. 2024 As chairman and chief auctioneer, Mr. de Pury installed Ms. Blouin as chief executive. Jacob Bernstein, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2024 McDermott dropped the claim for unknown reasons—and his representatives did not respond to numerous requests for comment—but other auctioneers, collectors and buyers began looking to the courts to adjudicate their disputes as well. Jordan Michael Smith, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2024 None of those positions, however, involved a daily on-camera barrage from combative journalists, the kind of challenge that requires command over a dizzying array of topics and the verbal reflexes of an auctioneer. Michael M. Grynbaum, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'auctioneer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1708, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of auctioneer was circa 1708

Dictionary Entries Near auctioneer

Cite this Entry

“Auctioneer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/auctioneer. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

auctioneer

noun
auc·​tion·​eer ˌȯk-shə-ˈni(ə)r How to pronounce auctioneer (audio)
: a person in charge of an auction
auctioneer verb

More from Merriam-Webster on auctioneer

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