silent auction

noun

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

Definition of silent auction

: an auction in which sealed bids are submitted beforehand

See silent auction defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of silent auction from the Web

Attendees can win opportunity baskets and bid on live and silent auction items to support the work of the Moonlight Cultural Foundation.

— linda mcintosh, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Hand-to-Hand gives 39K in local grants," 9 Apr. 2018
The documents were silent auction bidding sheets for a Women Democrats of Sacramento County fundraiser.

— adam ashton, sacbee, "CalPERS bites new watchdog at her second public meeting | The Sacramento Bee," 20 Mar. 2018
Before the challenging trivia contest of 100 questions began, competitors had an opportunity to bid on silent auction items and dine on a hearty lunch.

— jane napier neely, latimes.com, "The Valley Line: Trivia contest draws smiles, raises funds for Pinola/CV Chamber Education Fund," 19 Mar. 2018
Artworks Uncorked & Untapped Unlimited local beer and wine tastings, delicious locally sourced hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and the chance to meet Rhea Feikin.

— chris kaltenbach, baltimoresun.com, "Rocking kids, Kevin Hart and Maryland Day eats: the best of Baltimore's arts and entertainment scene this week," 18 Mar. 2018
Enjoy Trudy’s corned beef dinner and shop a variety of silent auction items while helping to preserve the Idaho City Historical Foundation's historic buildings and programs at the Boise Basin Museum.

— michelle jenkins, idahostatesman, "Where to hear the pipes and celebrate St. Paddy’s Day | Idaho Statesman," 15 Mar. 2018
Once the procession ends, enjoy live music, raffles, a silent auction and perhaps a shootout or two as presented by gun-slinging re-enactors.

— scott craven, azcentral, "St. Patrick's Day 2018 events in Phoenix and around Arizona," 13 Mar. 2018
Notable among the silent auction swag are tickets to Dallas Summer Musicals and to Symphony Arlington along with a seven-day vacation at the San Luis Bay Inn Resort in Avila Beach, California.

— faye reeder, star-telegram, "‘Marti’ Gras Ball will help Arts League continue arts education for all ages | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 31 Jan. 2018
The memorial group is looking for items for a silent auction or raffle basket donations for the event.

— jennie key, Cincinnati.com, "Colerain veteran pushing for community veterans memorial," 28 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'silent auction.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.