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
Erosion of confidence in U.S. assets, with a sell-off in U.S. Treasurys, equities and greenback, has fueled the bullishness for emerging markets. Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 22 May 2025 Concerns about the fiscal situation sparked a market sell-off on Wednesday. Matt Egan, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
Verb
Lionsgate always sells off foreign to fund its movies, retaining U.S. and UK rights. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 15 May 2025 The Saudis then reportedly sold off most of their Tesla shares in 2020. John Hyatt, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Sell-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sell-off. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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