Definition

1. Noun:
   • A sale of used personal or household items, typically held at the seller's home, often in a garage or driveway: A "garage sale" is an event where individuals sell their unwanted possessions directly to the public from their own property.

Usage

• A "garage sale" is an informal event, often advertised with signs in the neighborhood. It is a common way for people to declutter their homes and sell items they no longer need.
• The term specifically implies the sale is held at a private residence, not in a commercial space.

Examples

• Noun:
  • We're having a garage sale this Saturday to get rid of our old furniture and books.
  • I found this vintage lamp at a garage sale in the next town over.

Advanced Usage

• "to hold a garage sale": To organize and conduct a garage sale.
  • They decided to hold a garage sale before moving to a smaller apartment.
• "garage sale find": An item discovered or purchased at a garage sale, often implying it is a valuable or interesting discovery.
  • This chair was a real garage sale find; it's a genuine antique.

Variants and Related Words

• Yard sale (n): A very similar event, often used interchangeably with "garage sale," though it may specifically imply items are displayed in the yard.
• Tag sale (n): A term used in some regions, particularly the northeastern United States, for a similar sale of household items.
• Rummage sale (n): A sale of miscellaneous second-hand items, often organized by a church or community group rather than an individual family.

Synonyms

• House sale: A less common term for a similar event.
• Moving sale: A sale held specifically because the sellers are moving residence.

Related Phrases

• "to have a garage sale": Synonym for "to hold a garage sale."
  • We need to have a garage sale to clear out the attic.
• "garage sale prices": Very low prices, typical of those found at a garage sale.
  • I bought this table for garage sale prices.

Related Idioms

• "One person's trash is another person's treasure": This common saying perfectly encapsulates the spirit of a garage sale, where unwanted items find new owners who value them.

Noun

1. an outdoor sale of used personal or household items held on the seller's premises