WordGarden.iosale
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈeɪl/
US
- /ˈseɪl/
Meanings
Noun
the act or transaction of selling something to a buyer
a period or event when goods are offered at reduced prices
Beyond the definition
A "sale" is more than a sign in a shop window. At its core, it means an exchange in which something is sold for money. You can see it in simple phrases like "fruit for sale" or in a sentence like "the sale of the house was completed on Monday." Very often, it also means a special shopping event where prices are lower than usual, such as a summer sale or a holiday sale. So "sell" is the action, while "sale" is the event, the deal, or the result of that action. It can also be used in a figurative way; if someone says a person is "up for sale," they mean that loyalty or support can be bought.
The word "sale" usually tells a story about something being sold. In the broadest sense, it is the act or result of giving goods, property, or services to someone in exchange for money. That is why we talk about "the sale of a car," "tickets for sale," or "the final sale price" of a painting. In business, the plural form "sales" can also mean the amount a company sells over a period of time, as in "sales increased in June."
In everyday life, many people first think of the shopping meaning: a special event when a store lowers prices for a short time. This is the sense behind phrases like "winter sale," "clearance sale," or "Black Friday sale." Here, the word does not mean the act of selling one single thing; it means a period or event designed to attract buyers with lower prices.
The word can also appear in set phrases and figurative language. If something is "for sale," it is available to be bought. An "estate sale" is an event where a person's household belongings are offered for sale, often after a death or a move. If someone says a person is "up for sale," the meaning is negative: it suggests that the person can be influenced or bought. Whether it refers to one transaction, a store event, or a broader business result, "sale" is always connected to the idea of selling and exchange.
Examples
- 1
Seasonal discount
I bought this jacket in the summer sale.
- 2
Discount price
These shoes are on sale this week.
- Phraseon sale
being sold at a lower price
- 3
Available to buy
The old bike is for sale if you're interested.
- Phrasefor sale
available to buy
- 4
Ticket release
Tickets go on sale at noon tomorrow.
- Phrasego on sale
become available for people to buy
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Business results
The company posted strong sales over the holiday season.
- 6
No returns
Because it's a final sale, we can't offer a refund.
- Phrasefinal sale
a purchase that cannot be returned
- 7
Used goods
They spent Saturday morning at a garage sale.
- Phrasegarage sale
an event where people sell used things from their home
- 8
Legal restriction
The sale of alcohol to minors is illegal.
- Patternsale of + goods/service
the act or business of selling it
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- salenoun
Forms
- salespluralnoun