market value

American  

noun

1. the value of a business, property, etc., in terms of what it can be sold for on the open market; current value (book value ).

2. market price.

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market value British  

noun

1. the amount obtainable on the open market for the sale of property, financial assets, or goods and services Compare par value book value

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Etymology

Origin of market value

First recorded in 1685–95

Compare meaning

How does market-value compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• par value vs. market value

Example Sentences

Postmaster General David Steiner has said the bidding will help the quasigovernmental agency determine the true market value of the last-mile service.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

These days, when Wilkinson looks back on her past, she sees it for what it’s worth—in terms of lessons learned and, of course, market value.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

Following a six-month period during which the stock dropped by more than a third and shed more than $1 trillion in market value, it has recovered slightly from lows of around $360.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

Micron has added $43.8 billion to its market value so far on Wednesday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Had Mara seen me save my master not once but twice and had she increased the market value of my devotion?

From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri