markdown

1 of 2

noun

mark·​down ˈmärk-ˌdau̇n 

1

: a lowering of price

2

: the amount by which an original selling price is reduced

mark down

2 of 2

verb

marked down; marking down; marks down

transitive verb

: to put a lower price on

Synonyms of markdown

Verb

• reduce
• write down

Examples of markdown in a Sentence

Verb

marked down all seasonal goods immediately after the holidays

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The best Amazon markdowns tend to go fast, so now’s the time to snag your favorites. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026

For Michael Kors, a reduction in markdowns and momentum in full-price selling — although a long-term aim to improve the brand’s foundation — negatively impacted revenues. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 5 Aug. 2026

Verb

At Rue La La, a low-key site that offers impressive deals on designer clothes, shoes, and accessories, dozens of Birkenstock sandals are marked down, including the iconic Arizona Sandals that both writers and A-listers wear season after season. — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026

Shop more on-trend finds for fall while they’re marked down during Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale, below. — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 2 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1880, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1833, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for markdown

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown

Kids Definition

markdown

1 of 2 noun

mark·​down ˈmärk-ˌdau̇n 

1

: a lowering of price

2

: the amount by which an original selling price is reduced

mark down

2 of 2 verb

(ˈ)märk-ˈdau̇n

: to put a lower price on

marked down all the books for the sale