sell-off

1 of 2

noun

ˈsel-ˌȯf 

: 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

Noun

The firm announced its first bitcoin sale in years in June, sparking a sell-off in the leading cryptocurrency to below $60,000, effectively cutting its value by more than 100% since hitting an all-time high above $126,000 in October. — Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Revenues would, at least theoretically, improve by the hiving out of commercial and events operations, and member payments would improve as a result, regardless of whether any sell-off took place. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 July 2026

Verb

The Toronto Blue Jays face a disappointing season, potentially selling off expiring contracts at the trade deadline after last year's AL pennant. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

The Nationals, conversely and unexpectedly, will consider selling off their most valuable pieces for prospects while also acquiring big-league players who would help an immediate push for the playoffs. — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 25 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1976, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1976, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sell-off

• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff
• falloff
• handoff
• kickoff
• layoff
• liftoff
• markoff
• markov
• payoff
• playoff