sellout

1 of 2

noun

sell·​out ˈsel-ˌau̇t 

1

: the act or an instance of selling out

2

: something sold out

especially : something (such as a concert or contest) for which all tickets are sold

3

: one who sells out

sell out

2 of 2

verb

sold out; selling out; sells out

transitive verb

1

: to sell the goods of (a debtor) in order to satisfy creditors

2

: to sell security or commodity holdings of usually to satisfy an uncovered margin

3

a

: to sell all the available tickets for

sold out the concert

b

: to sell all of

the merchandise was quickly sold out

intransitive verb

1

: to dispose of one's goods by sale

especially : to sell one's business

2

: to betray one's cause or associates especially for personal gain

3

: to be or achieve a sellout

Synonyms

Noun

• backstabbing
• betrayal
• business
• disloyalty
• double cross
• faithlessness
• falseness
• falsity
• infidelity
• perfidy
• treachery
• treason
• two-timing
• unfaithfulness

Examples of sellout in a Sentence

Noun

The concert was a sellout.

The union sees the deal as a sellout.

Angry fans called him a sellout when he started appearing in television commercials.

Verb

the band sold out its faithful followers, abandoning its edgy style for a more commercial sound

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

As part of the Knicks’ 143-point demolition of the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, McBride delivered a highlight-reel dunk that had the sellout crowd on its feet. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 28 Jan. 2025

DeMar DeRozan led a huge second-half comeback to help the Kings beat the Golden State Warriors 123-117 before a sellout crowd of 17,832 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento and a national television audience on ESPN. —Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 23 Jan. 2025

Verb

So, create a free account and start shopping now, as sizes are already selling out. —Toni Sutton, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025

The black and white hoodie, which retails for $195, was designed specifically for Chalamet’s press tour, and is limited-edition: There are only 100 pieces available worldwide (that will likely sell out quickly). —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1796, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

sellout

1 of 2 noun

sell·​out ˈsel-ˌau̇t 

1

: the act or an instance of selling out

2

: a show, contest, or exhibition for which all seats are sold

sell out

2 of 2 verb

(ˈ)sel-ˈau̇t

: to dispose of all of one's goods by sale