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

Verb

• attenuate
• break
• cheapen
• depreciate
• depress
• devaluate
• devalue
• downgrade
• lower
• reduce
• sink
• write down
• write off

Examples of markdown in a Sentence

Verb

marked down all seasonal goods immediately after the holidays

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Snag these hidden markdowns from Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Home collection before they’re gone, then keep scrolling to shop more sale section finds from $10. —Maggie Horton, People.com, 7 June 2025

This minimizes the need for markdowns and reduces spoilage and excess inventory, helping retailers meet ESG goals while improving financial performance. —Forbes.com, 2 June 2025

Verb

The restaurant was also marked down for raw fish stored on shelves above sauces and other ready-to-eat food in sushi reach-in cooler. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 30 May 2025

First up, the TP-Link mesh system is marked down to $419 (from its original $600 price tag) and brings serious speed without turning setup into a full-time job. —Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 29 May 2025

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