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. markup language.

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

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

From New York Times

But with a plan to buy out Snyder’s group from the film, at a 40% markup, “The Apprentice” may just see the light of day.

From Salon

That was the conclusion of a team at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, who reported that markup growth “could account for more than half of 2021 inflation.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Justice Department’s lawsuit alleges that having a giant company like Live Nation Entertainment exacerbates markups since it controls so much of the market.

From Seattle Times

Narcotics are sold at a staggering markup in the county jails.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• addition