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short sale

American  

noun

  1. an act or instance of selling short.


Etymology

Origin of short sale

First recorded in 1865–70

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.

Plus, the homeowner may have to do a short sale, meaning they sell the home for less than what they owe on their mortgage with the lender’s approval.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 9, 2026

The cost of borrowing the shares for a short sale is exorbitant, if an investor could find someone to lend them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 27, 2026

Currently, a short seller must put 150% of the value of a short sale in a margin account, which includes the price of the sale and an additional 50% of the value.

From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026

Short sale circuit breakers prohibit the execution or display of a short sale in that security at a price that is less than or equal to the current national best bid.

From Reuters • Apr. 5, 2023

Squarely in the midst of the morning session, on the day following the "short" sale of Jadwin's million of bushels, had exploded the news of the intended action of the French chamber.

From The Pit by Norris, Frank