auctioned
v.v. to sell something to the person who offers the most money at a public sale. You use this when many people bid against each other to buy an item.
v. past tense or past participle of 'auction'; refers to the process of selling goods or property to the highest bidder in a public forum. Typically transitive, requiring a direct object representing the item sold.
The rare painting was auctioned for millions of dollars last night.
The city auctioned the seized vehicles to raise funds for the local community center.
After the estate was settled, the family's extensive collection of Victorian furniture was auctioned off to various private collectors and museums across the country.
Often used in the passive voice ('was auctioned') or as part of the phrasal verb 'auction off'.