sell-off

1 of 2

noun

: a usually sudden sharp decline in security prices accompanied by increased volume of trading

sell off

2 of 2

verb

sold off; selling off; sells off

intransitive verb

: to suffer a drop in prices

Examples of sell-off in a Sentence

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.
Noun
While this week’s increase was relatively small, financial analysts warn that a prolonged conflict in the Middle East could trigger a broader bond sell-off. Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026 Now, the question is if yesterday’s sell-off will resume today, or if there is another bounce in the cards. Alex Harring, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
The Sharks entered Friday on a three-game win streak and three points out of a playoff spot, major reasons why Grier didn’t sell off many of his pending unrestricted free agents prior to Friday’s trade deadline. Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2026 Investors have sold off government securities on the risk of faster inflation and tighter monetary policy, net-net. Chris Anstey, Bloomberg, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sell-off

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1976, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1976, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sell-off was in 1976

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sell-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sell-off. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

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