auction

/ˈɔkʃən/

/ˈɔkʃɪn/

Other forms: auctions; auctioned; auctioning

In an auction, items are sold without price tags — whoever bids the highest gets to buy it, whether it’s a painting, a car, or a set of old dishes.

You can hold an auction, or auction something. You might have seen auction scenes in classy old movies where the characters bid on paintings by politely raising their hands as the auctioneer calls out a price. Auctions aren’t always high-fallutin’, though — many cities auction off cars they’ve confiscated from criminals.

Definitions of auction

1. noun

   the public sale of something to the highest bidder
   synonyms: auction sale, vendue

   type of:

   sale

   the general activity of selling
2. verb

   sell at an auction
   synonyms: auction off, auctioneer

   type of:

   sell

   exchange or deliver for money or its equivalent
3. noun

   a variety of bridge in which tricks made in excess of the contract are scored toward game; now generally superseded by contract bridge
   synonyms: auction bridge

   type of:

   bridge

   any of various card games based on whist for four players