auction

1 of 2

noun

auc·​tion ˈȯk-shən 

1

: a sale of property to the highest bidder

2

: the act or process of bidding in some card games

auction

2 of 2

verb

auctioned; auctioning ˈȯk-sh(ə-)niŋ 

transitive verb

: to sell at auction

auctioned off his library

Examples of auction in a Sentence

Noun

She bought the desk at an auction.

He made several bids at the auction.

Verb

They auctioned a similar desk last year.

The house was auctioned last week.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In the latest update on future sequels and installments behind the scenes, NBCUniversal in 2025 acquired all rights, excluding publishing, to Ludlum’s revered Jason Bourne and Treadstone book series, in perpetuity, following an extensive auction. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 June 2026

The painting’s 2018 auction at Christie’s drew a record $90 million for a living artist. —Barbara Isenberg, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026

Verb

Years later, the ring — along with the rest of Simpson's jewelry collection — was auctioned off for a staggering price. —Ilana Frost, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026

Hideaway Creek Cabin, which is in a private, members-only ski community in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, is set to be auctioned next month. —Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 10 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin auction-, auctio, from augēre to increase — more at eke

First Known Use

Noun

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1723, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing auction

• auction bridge
• auction house
• silent auction
• up for auction

Rhymes for auction

• concoction
• decoction

Kids Definition

auction

1 of 2 noun

auc·​tion ˈȯk-shən 

: a sale at which things are sold to those who offer to pay the most

auction

2 of 2 verb

auctioned; auctioning -sh(ə-)niŋ 

: to sell at auction

Etymology

Noun

from Latin auction-, auctio, from augēre "to increase" — related to augment

Legal Definition

auction

noun

auc·​tion

: a public sale of property to the highest bidder see also reserve