markdown

1 of 2

noun

mark·​down ˈmärk-ˌdau̇n 

1

: a lowering of price

2

: the amount by which an original selling price is reduced

mark down

2 of 2

verb

marked down; marking down; marks down

transitive verb

: to put a lower price on

Synonyms

Verb

• attenuate
• break
• cheapen
• depreciate
• depress
• devaluate
• devalue
• downgrade
• lower
• reduce
• sink
• write down
• write off

Examples of markdown in a Sentence

Verb

marked down all seasonal goods immediately after the holidays

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The discount applies sitewide to regularly priced items and markdowns, and there’s no minimum purchase required. —Kayla Blanton, People.com, 5 Dec. 2024

Since then, the Fox News founder made several adjustments to the triplex listing, taking the property on and off the market and slashing the price, including a recent markdown in June from $38.5 million to $28.5 million. —India Roby, Architectural Digest, 3 Dec. 2024

Verb

And they're currently marked down a generous 50 percent. —Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2024

Treat yourself or a loved one to a set of noise-canceling Apple AirPods Pro while they’re marked down, or pick up a multipack of Apple AirTags to slip into multiple stockings. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1880, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1833, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

markdown

1 of 2 noun

mark·​down ˈmärk-ˌdau̇n 

1

: a lowering of price

2

: the amount by which an original selling price is reduced

mark down

2 of 2 verb

(ˈ)märk-ˈdau̇n

: to put a lower price on

marked down all the books for the sale