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.
Maluleke, the former men's professional player, fired off commentary at the speed and cadence of an auctioneer. — Ryan Lenora Brown, NPR, 14 June 2026 Maria Wittorp, the hotel’s head concierge, said, with the haste of an auctioneer, standing in the lobby, as blazer-wearing staffers whipped by. — Jane Bua, New Yorker, 14 May 2026 This bottle is believed to have been released in the mid-2000s, says the auctioneer, and has been in private hands ever since. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 15 June 2026 There are also weekly livestock auctions that are quite the sensory, chaotic feast, with multiple auctioneers going at the same time. — Jill Robbins, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 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 7 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of auctioneer for Spanish Speakers

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