silent auction

noun

: an auction in which sealed bids are submitted beforehand

Examples of silent auction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The event includes a silent auction with library wines, current releases, tours and tastings, large formats and more. Laura Ness, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025 Enter a $1,000 cash raffle, and enjoy a silent auction, arts and crafts, prizes and food. Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Sep. 2025 Highlights include a silent auction, steel drum band, tropical food and drinks and stories from clients. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2025 All attendees enjoyed a silent auction that included artwork, rugs, rare whiskeys, a guitar and special events. Sharon Sandahl, Nashville Tennessean, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for silent auction

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of silent auction was in 1866

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Cite this Entry

“Silent auction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silent%20auction. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

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