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Synonyms

markdown

American  
[mahrk-doun] / ˈmɑrkˌdaʊn /

noun

  1. a reduction in price, usually to encourage buying.

  2. the amount by which a price is reduced.


markdown British  
/ ˈmɑːkˌdaʊn /

noun

  1. a price reduction

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. (tr, adverb) to reduce in price

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of markdown

noun use of verb phrase mark down

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.

See Examples For:

Everlane’s reported sale comes after other brands catering to younger consumers trying to shop their values, including Allbirds and Depop, have struggled or been sold at a markdown.

From MarketWatch May 19, 2026

Nearby, I found a 99-cent bag of slightly bruised white onions in the produce markdown section.

From Salon May 19, 2026

But that wasn’t enough of a markdown for investors.

From The Wall Street Journal May 13, 2026

The accounting gain was related to the portfolio’s markdown.

From Barron's Apr. 28, 2026

Maas said he anticipated “gangbuster” third-quarter sales with the impending demise federal tax credit, which allowed for a markdown of over 10% on most EV models.

From Los Angeles Times Oct. 23, 2025

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