Definition

Noun: A commercial establishment or firm that organizes, manages, and conducts public sales (auctions) where items are sold to the highest bidder.

Usage

An "auction house" is a business that specializes in selling goods through the auction method. It provides the venue, expertise, marketing, and administrative services for these sales. Major international auction houses often deal in high-value items like art, antiques, collectibles, and real estate. - The rare painting was sold at a famous auction house in London. - She works for an auction house that specializes in classic cars.

Advanced Usage

• "to go through an auction house": to use the services of an auction house to sell something.
  • The estate's contents will go through a reputable auction house.

Variants and Related Words

• Auctioneer (n): the person who conducts the auction by calling out bids.
  • The auctioneer moved quickly through the items.
• Auction (n/v): the event or process of selling items to the highest bidder.
  • The auction for the jewelry collection will be next week.

Synonyms

• Saleroom: (chiefly British) a room or building where auctions are held.
• Auction gallery: a term sometimes used for an auction house, especially one dealing in fine art.

Related Phrases

• To be put up for auction at an auction house: to be offered for sale through an auction house.
  • The manuscript was put up for auction at a prestigious auction house.

Noun

1. a firm that conducts auctions