consignation

The bank teller processes a consignation for a customer.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of consigning: "consignation" refers to the formal act of delivering or entrusting something to another person for sale, custody, or management.
   • A batch of goods consigned: It can also mean a shipment of goods that has been sent for sale, especially on a consignment basis.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The consignation of the artwork to the gallery was completed with a signed contract. (The formal delivery of the artwork for exhibition or sale.)
  • The first consignation of vintage cars arrived at the auction house yesterday. (The first batch of cars sent for auction.)

Advanced Usage

• "in consignation": in the state of being entrusted for sale.
  • The goods are held in consignation until the buyer pays the full amount. (The goods are kept for sale with ownership temporarily retained by the seller.)

Variants and Related Words

• Consign (verb): to deliver or entrust something to someone.
  • We will consign the books to the dealer next week. (We will send the books for sale.)
• Consignor (noun): a person who consigns goods.
  • The consignor must provide a detailed inventory of the items. (The sender of the goods.)
• Consignee (noun): a person to whom goods are consigned.
  • The consignee is responsible for inspecting the shipment upon arrival. (The receiver of the goods.)

Synonyms

• Shipment: a batch of goods sent together.
• Delivery: the act of handing over something.
• Entrustment: the act of giving responsibility for something to someone.

Related Idioms

• On consignment: with payment to the seller only after the goods are sold.
  • The artist placed her paintings on consignment at the gallery. (The gallery sells the paintings and pays the artist afterwards.)