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HOW TO PRONOUNCE

auction

/ˈɔkʃən/

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American Pronunciation Guide · 0:39
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What does auction mean?

noun

  1. A public event where goods or property are sold to the highest bidder.
  2. The first stage of a deal, in which players bid to determine the final contract.

verb

  1. To sell at an auction.

Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0

IPA pronunciation

/ˈɔkʃən/

Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.

In the pages of books

See this word in context.

When the Senate sold captured lands at auction, it was in the interest of the treasury and of public welfare.
P.-J. (Pierre-Joseph) ProudhonWhat is Property? An Inquiry into the Principle of Right and of GovernmentProject Gutenberg ebook #360
We had hardly returned on board with our sad report, before an auction was held of the poor man's clothes.
Richard Henry DanaTwo Years Before the MastProject Gutenberg ebook #2055
More book examples (3)
A Russian Prince, who had lived in great splendor in Paris, died suddenly, and his household effects were sold at auction.
Joel BentonA Unique Story of a Marvellous Career: Life of Hon. Phineas T. BarnumProject Gutenberg ebook #1576
Under the portico, with its grey, sun-bleached pillars, loitered a troop of draggled bareheaded girls, waiting for the auction to be over.
Oscar WildeThe Picture of Dorian GrayProject Gutenberg ebook #174
And when there was a job of passing hand-bills for the operahouse, or ringing bells for auction sales, I always got the job.
James J. (James John) DavisThe Iron Puddler: My Life in the Rolling Mills and What Came of ItProject Gutenberg ebook #1297