outbid

American  

[out-bid] / ˌaʊtˈbɪd /

verb (used with object)

outbid, outbidden, outbid, outbidding

1. to outdo in bidding; make a higher bid than (another bidder).

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outbid British  

/ ˌaʊtˈbɪd /

verb

1. (tr) to bid higher than; outdo in bidding

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Other Word Forms

• outbidder
  noun

Etymology

Origin of outbid

First recorded in 1580–90; out- + bid ¹

Example Sentences

One reason, Tillin says, is the rise of "competitive welfarism": almost every major party now offers some version of cash transfers, subsidies or free services, often trying to outbid rivals during campaigns.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

Cummings said it’s possible California refiners can outbid other countries competing over the same barrels for a period of time, but there’s only so much to go around.

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2026

Last year, L’Oréal outbid the Spanish company in a €4 billion—or roughly $4.66 billion—purchase of Kering’s luxury beauty business, which includes the rights to develop makeup and perfume for Gucci.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Baby boomers already own much of the housing stock, and we have the cash to outbid those who want to get their hands on the few homes on the market.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

He sounded like an enthusiastic collector who had been outbid at auction.

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling