auctioneer
Americannoun
verb (used with object)
noun
verb
Other Word Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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auctioneersimple
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auctioneerssimple
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have auctioneeredperfect
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has auctioneeredperfect
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am auctioneeringprogressive
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are auctioneeringprogressive
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is auctioneeringprogressive
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have been auctioneeringperfect progressive
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has been auctioneeringperfect progressive
Past
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auctioneeredsimple
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had auctioneeredperfect
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was auctioneeringprogressive
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were auctioneeringprogressive
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had been auctioneeringperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of auctioneer
Explanation
An auctioneer is a person who manages an auction, or a public sale at which people can bid on items. It's exciting to win the bidding at an auction and hear the auctioneer shout, "Sold!" It's the job of an auctioneer to organize the goods for sale at an auction, as well as to oversee the bidding, often encouraging bidders to compete with each other to drive the price up. Some auctioneers call out items and prices in a distinctive, rapid, sing-song voice. Auctioneer comes from auction, which has a Latin root: auctionem, "increasing sale or public sale," from augere, "to increase."
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.
Auctioneer Bridget Meadows said: "These lots form a wonderful insight into Agatha Christie's personal life at Greenway House."
From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026
Auctioneer Propstore, based in Chenies, Buckinghamshire, said more than 2,000 global fans and collectors bid on more than 170 lots.
From BBC • Feb. 28, 2025
Auctioneer Elizabeth Talbot said: "It could have made less, it could have made a lot more, but how does one value a piece of important history like that?"
From BBC • Nov. 28, 2024
Auctioneer Henry Aldridge and Son in Wiltshire said it was the highest amount ever paid for Titanic memorabilia, and that it was bought by a private collector in the US.
From BBC • Nov. 16, 2024
In a swift generous impulse Peggy bid “Ten beans!” in a loud voice, and with a glance of surprise and pity, Auctioneer Katherine handed her the prize in silence.
From Peggy Parsons at Prep School by Sharp, Annabel
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.
