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selling short

Cultural

Borrowing shares of stock from a brokerage firm (see broker) and then selling in the expectation that the price of the stock will decline. If it does, the borrower buys them back at a reduced price, returns them to the brokerage, and makes a profit. If it rises, the investor loses money. To sell short is to “short” a stock.

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.

Livermore got it right in 1929, selling short before the October crash.

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

"Investment advisers will face more risk when selling short, which will harm investors, market participants, and market efficiency," said its CEO Bryan Corbett.

From Reuters • Oct. 13, 2023

In the meantime, he’s connecting with fans on Cameo, selling short personalized videos at $10 a pop.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 26, 2021

His excessively quiet diplomacy is selling short his position and the promise of the United Nations.

From Washington Post • Apr. 24, 2019

If I perform this trick of Brownley's, the trick of selling short until a panic is produced, I shall make millions and none will be the wiser.

From Friday, the Thirteenth by Lawson, Thomas William

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023