auctioneer

noun

auc·​tion·​eer ˌȯk-shə-ˈnir How to pronounce auctioneer (audio)
Synonyms of auctioneernext
: an agent who sells goods at auction

Examples of auctioneer in a Sentence

The auctioneer started the bidding at $100.
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.
His auction record was set in 2022 when the painting Animal Unity (1978) fetched $312,000 Canadian (about $227,000 at current exchange rates), more than tripling its high estimate, at Canadian auctioneer Cowley Abbott. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 21 Aug. 2026 The painting of The Madonna and Child is listed in the Christie's auctioneer website as having sold for more than $300,000 in 2003. — CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026 There are few events that bring together such a diverse group of curators, conservators, historians, gemologists, valuators, auctioneers and other specialists whose work centers on royal jewels. — Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026 Phillips, Heritage and other auctioneers also had breakout starts to the year. — Robert Frank, CNBC, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for auctioneer

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1708, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of auctioneer was circa 1708

Rhymes for auctioneer

See All Rhymes for auctioneer

Browse Nearby Words

auction bridge
auctioneer
auction forty-fives
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Auctioneer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/auctioneer. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

auctioneer

noun
auc·​tion·​eer ˌȯk-shə-ˈni(ə)r How to pronounce auctioneer (audio)
: a person in charge of an auction
auctioneer verb

More from Merriam-Webster on auctioneer

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for auctioneer

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