sell-off

1 of 2

noun

ˈsel-ˌȯf 

: 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

Noun

If the State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) falls below 740 – where dealers have the most gamma exposure – that would heighten the risk of a big sell-off. — Oliver Renick, CNBC, 23 July 2026

Convention might suggest confronting it with some sort of sell-off, especially if these flaws follow them across the next 14 days. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Verb

The Toronto Blue Jays face a disappointing season, potentially selling off expiring contracts at the trade deadline after last year's AL pennant. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

The Nationals, conversely and unexpectedly, will consider selling off their most valuable pieces for prospects while also acquiring big-league players who would help an immediate push for the playoffs. — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 25 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1976, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1976, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sell-off

• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff
• falloff
• handoff
• kickoff
• layoff
• liftoff
• markoff
• markov
• payoff
• playoff