silent auction

noun

: an auction in which sealed bids are submitted beforehand

Examples of silent auction 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.
There will also be opportunity drawings and a silent auction. Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2025 There are door prizes, raffles, silent auctions and gifts and jewelry for holiday shopping. Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2025 Hosted by Darby Lynn Cartwright and Alexis Bevels, WayOUT’s Gayla will feature performances by Caroline Kingsbury, Zoe Ko and Fena Barbitall, plus live and silent auctions. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025 There will be performances by local artists and a silent auction. Christina Mayo, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 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 15 Nov. 2025.

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