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
The stock's sell-off intensified as Boeing's earnings call got underway and management reset investor expectations for cash flow growth in the coming years. — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026 Even in the midst of a global government bond sell-off, US bond rates remain lower than those of other Western economies. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
Californios’ reign began to vanish even before the discovery of gold, when droughts and floods wiped out their easygoing livelihoods, and their lands were cut up, sold off, and their land grants swept aside by the new state. — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026 Semiconductor stocks — Chipmakers suffered Friday as technology stocks sold off and concern reemerged about the strength of the artificial intelligence trade. — Ananya Chetia, CNBC, 30 Oct. 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 Nov. 2026.

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