markup

[mahrk-uhp]

noun

1. Commerce.

   1. the amount added by a seller to the cost of a commodity to cover expenses and profit in fixing the selling price.

   2. the difference between the cost price and the selling price, computed as a percentage of either the selling price or the cost price.

   3. an increase in price, as of a commodity.

   4. the amount by which a price is increased.

2. the putting of a legislative bill into final form.

3. detailed instructions, usually written on a manuscript to be typeset, concerning style of type, makeup of pages, and the like.

4. Digital Technology.,  detailed instructions indicating the format, style, or structure for an electronic document or web page.

verb (used with object)

1. to mark up (a document or web page).

Word History and Origins

Origin of markup¹

First recorded in 1915–20; noun use of verb phrase mark up

Example Sentences

The manufacturers themselves are maintaining that crisis by discouraging the shift to electric trucks: California has documented a $94,000 markup on some electric trucks in the U.S. compared with Europe.

From Los Angeles Times

“Now, everyone knows that airport restaurants face higher costs, but this markup seemed excessive,” Kline said.

From Salon

He’s a young Tokyo laundry plant worker who in his downtime traffics in resold goods at exorbitant markups, with little care for their authenticity.

From Los Angeles Times

"And people love the idea of getting the same quality without paying for the brand markup."

From Salon

Staffing agencies make money by charging companies a “markup” on hourly wages.

From New York Times

Related Words

• addition