sticker shock
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of sticker shock
sticker ( price ) + shock
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
You also still might be experiencing sticker shock on the Lakers’ behalf.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026
Then came the sticker shock regarding its anticipated lease prices.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 16, 2026
“It creates sticker shock in a way that steak or lobster may not,” says Eldridge.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 5, 2026
"Consumers aren't only facing sticker shock at the pump, but also with their utility bills, as electricity prices rose sharply last month," he said.
From Barron's ● May 12, 2026
When gas prices surged in March, lower-income drivers tried to cut back, but they still felt the sticker shock.
From MarketWatch ● May 6, 2026
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
