sell out

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To sell all of a supply or stock of something.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

They sold out of concert posters yesterday and won't get another shipment until next week.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To abandon or betray one's principles to seek profit or other personal advantage; to abandon or betray one's supporters through this change.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To betray (a person), usually a close friend or family member, for personal gain.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “sell out” mean?

To sell all of a supply or stock of something.

Is “sell out” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.