auctioneer

American  

[awk-shuh-neer] / ˌɔk ʃəˈnɪər /

noun

1. a person who conducts sales by auction.

---

verb (used with object)

1. to auction (something).

auctioneer British  

/ ˌɔːkʃəˈnɪə /

noun

1. a person who conducts an auction by announcing the lots and controlling the bidding

---

verb

1. (tr) to sell by auction

Etymology

Origin of auctioneer

First recorded in 1700–10; auction + -eer

Explanation

An auctioneer is a person who manages an auction, or a public sale at which people can bid on items. It's exciting to win the bidding at an auction and hear the auctioneer shout, "Sold!" It's the job of an auctioneer to organize the goods for sale at an auction, as well as to oversee the bidding, often encouraging bidders to compete with each other to drive the price up. Some auctioneers call out items and prices in a distinctive, rapid, sing-song voice. Auctioneer comes from auction, which has a Latin root: auctionem, "increasing sale or public sale," from augere, "to increase."

Example Sentences

The former Christie’s auctioneer, author, podcaster and motivational speaker is normally unflappable on the podium.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

Then as he droned on like a dentist drill hitting bone, he began to sound like a South Carolina auctioneer at a county fair.

From Salon • Dec. 19, 2025

Boutique auctioneer Phillips said Tuesday it sold $925 million in art in 2025, up 10% from the year before.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025

The auctioneer said the book was initially given a "cautious" pre-sale guide of £2,000-£4,000, but a flood of advance offers saw bidding start at £10,500 and quickly rise to £23,000.

From BBC • Dec. 9, 2025

Whoever offers the most money gets whatever the auctioneer is selling right then.

From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham

Related Words

• agent
• clerk
• dealer
• marketer
• merchant
• peddler
• retailer
• salesperson
• saleswoman
• shopkeeper
• trader
• vendor