silent auction

noun

Synonyms of silent auctionnext
: 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 evening, which is for adults 21 and older, features a silent auction, food, drinks, live music by Big Sky Acoustic and wagon rides through the forest preserve. — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 On Thursday, the animal shelter held a silent auction among the four contenders who had come forward wanting to adopt him. — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 One of the people watching was a very famous songwriter, who won the pig in a silent auction. — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026 The trackside evening will feature dinner, music, live and silent auctions, and the announcement of the 2026 Youth of the Year. — Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for silent auction

See All Rhymes for silent auction

Browse Nearby Words

silent area
silent auction
silent barter
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Silent auction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silent%20auction. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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