sell-off

1 of 2

noun

ˈsel-ˌȯf How to pronounce sell-off (audio)
: a usually sudden sharp decline in security prices accompanied by increased volume of trading

sell off

2 of 2

verb

sold off; selling off; sells off

intransitive verb

: to suffer a drop in prices

Examples of sell-off 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.
Noun
On Tuesday local time, the US semiconductor sector faced a sharp sell-off, with chip and memory stocks that had previously benefited heavily from the AI surge leading the declines and pulling the broader market down. — CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 Concerns about the software industry’s obsolescence fueled a massive sell-off earlier this year as investors bet AI agents would crush the sector’s business models. — J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
That’s why sometimes stocks sell off after a blockbuster jobs report. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 Now, Marshall is attempting to sell off the three-bed, two-bath waterfront house that has emerged as a possible political liability in his re-election bid. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sell-off

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1976, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1976, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sell-off was in 1976

Rhymes for sell-off

See All Rhymes for sell-off

Browse Nearby Words

selling race
sell-off
sell off
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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