# auctioneer

/ˌɑkʃəˈnɪɹ/ (US) · /ˈɔːkʃənˈiə/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/auctioneer
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

the person in charge of a public sale where items are sold to the person who offers the most money. They call out the prices and decide when an item is sold.

For teachers: a person who conducts a public sale by calling out bids and declaring items sold to the highest bidder.

## Examples

- The auctioneer speaks very quickly during the sale.
- The auctioneer brought down the gavel and shouted 'Sold!' to the woman in the front row.
- A skilled auctioneer must maintain a rapid pace to build excitement among bidders while simultaneously tracking every subtle gesture in the room to ensure no offer is missed.

## Usage notes

- Typically refers to the professional individual facilitating the event.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.