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

The evening will be filled with live entertainment, auctions and gourmet bites from some of DFW’s top chefs and restaurants. —Alyson Rodriguez, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026

One of the highlights of the week for Martin’s group is the Calcutta auction conducted on the eve of the tournament. —Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2026

Verb

Yes, Magnus Walker has commissioned RM Sotheby’s to auction 18 cars and around 140 lots of rare Porsche parts and memorabilia. —Howard Walker, Robb Report, 16 Mar. 2026

To start the day in Mission Viejo’s Saddleback Stadium, 10 QBs are auctioned to the 10 participating teams, each with an affiliated charity. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 13 Mar. 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