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.
The event includes cocktails, silent auction and dinner. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025 The annual fair has been held for over 50 years, offering shuttle service to parking, food and refreshments, a silent auction and the parish pantry. Elaine Rewolinski, jsonline.com, 22 July 2025 Weathers called his church, the Heights in Cleburne, Texas, and set up a livestream concert and silent auction. Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2025 Light appetizers, drinks, silent auction, prerecorded horse races. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 2 July 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 21 Aug. 2025.

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