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 painting, appearing at auction for the first time, prompted applause and a spirited contest involving Christie’s London specialist Edmond Francey and at least three other specialists bidding by telephone. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 14 Oct. 2026

This 23-foot-long mock-up was part of the USS Enterprise's basic design and was rescued from demolition some 14 years ago when Schneider purchased it at a 2012 memorabilia auction for $61,000. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Verb

Here’s a closer look at the 2022 Ferrari Daytona SP3 being auctioned through RM Sotheby’s on October 31. — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026

The school is auctioning off a chance to sit on the UConn women’s basketball bench during the preseason exhibition against Texas on October 19 at PeoplesBank Arena or against Army on October 25 at Gampel Pavilion. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 13 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin auction-, auctio, from augēre to increase — more at eke entry 1

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