sellout

[sel-out]

noun

1. Informal.,  a person who compromises their personal values, integrity, talent, etc., for money or personal advancement.

2. Informal.,  a person who betrays a cause, organization, or the like; traitor.

3. an act or instance of selling out.

4. an entertainment, as a show or athletic event, for which all the seats are sold.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sellout¹

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60; noun use of verb phrase sell out

Example Sentences

But the show became a campus sellout and sparked a modest version of the ticket frenzy for which “Hamilton” became known.

From Los Angeles Times

A sellout crowd at Camden Yards — in attendance for the 30th anniversary of Cal Ripken Jr.’s Ironman moment — broke into delirium.

From Los Angeles Times

On Tuesday, the sellout signs went up for the 27 September showpiece.

From BBC

The merger promptly received approval from the Federal Communications Commission and closed on Aug. 7, completing what Sonnenfeld called a “sellout of the Columbia Broadcasting System’s journalistic values to commercial interests.”

From Los Angeles Times

The sellout crowd, which had long been on its feet, continuing cheering, eventually drawing Kershaw back out onto the field to doff his cap in appreciation.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• giveaway