# sellout

/ˈsɛˌɫaʊt/ (US) · /sˈɛlaʊt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sellout
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a person who betrays someone or something they were supposed to protect. It can also mean a person who is very popular and sells out of everything they offer.

For teachers: a person who betrays a cause, organization, or individual for personal gain. In a commercial context, it refers to a performer or product that is so popular that all available tickets or stock are sold out.

## Examples

- He was a total sellout who only cared about money.
- The band's new album was a sellout, with every copy disappearing from the shelves within hours of release.
- The politician was labeled a sellout by his former allies after he signed a controversial trade deal that benefited his private interests over the public good.

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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.