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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There is no discounting the history here, and that’s one thing that can’t be replicated, or so car auctioneers will tell you. Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 24 Nov. 2025 During Ghost Month, the seventh month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar, auctioneers sell seemingly ordinary items—backpacks, calculators, tchotchkes—imbued with a spiritual charge thought to bring good luck. Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025 Honorary Chairs of the event were Barbie and Dan Spinazzola, who are also City Ballet trustees; and Darren Diess served as the event emcee and auctioneer. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Nov. 2025 Albanese spoke with the auctioneer and confirmed that there will be 232 auction lots, each containing a zinc/copper penny from separate mints, and one gold penny included with each lot. Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 19 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for auctioneer

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1708, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of auctioneer was circa 1708

Cite this Entry

“Auctioneer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/auctioneer. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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